FluxChiller
Professional
877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273) is the Los Angeles Police Department's non-emergency number.
- Thread starter Dekken
- Start date
Thank you
I actually called this number on Monday April 3, 2023 and spoke to a LA detective in the fraud and forgery department and she advised me on how to proceed with this. Will update post when I hear more. Thanks
Dekken
ItsBobDudes
Grand Master
GL to you too. I am certainly sorry to hear about your complications. Omar gave me a drop dead date of 17th April and I am pretty booked until then anyway. If he doesn't come through by that date I will have to explore some options.
kazuo
Champion
Yeah I understand America and California is very different from here. Huge area of land and not an awful lot of Japanese arcade culture since you had your own thing going on.
And then since 2005 we had guys in the community bring massive amounts of containers in from japan. Not to mention many in Europe did the same.
I digress....
I know this is probably not the right place for this digression nor a history lesson, but... Cali has a very long history with Japanese Arcade Games and candy cabinets.
California has historically had a sizable East Asian population, and that includes Japanese. Southern California in particular has a very large Japanese population. Some of the earliest candy imports in the late 90's/early 00's came from a duo based in LA who ran a well-known Arcade called Arcade Infinity; they also sold cabs on the side, most notably on ebay. Anecdotal evidence seems to point to the large number of Neo Candy cabs they imported as the genesis of the "candy cab" terminology that we still use to this day.
Many other Arcades in the region (Family Fun is a notable one) also had candies, as well as nickel museums (you ever see those Aeros with butchered CPs? That's where they came from!) and a bunch of other locations. They weren't common at all in Northern California, but they were far from a rare sight in SoCal. The large number of candies that were eventually dumped in Mexico also eventually made their way up here, and those connections are part of how Horacio/Omar is able to get what he gets.
Anywho, sucks to see yet another sad story involving Omar, hope that this works out for everyone effected (including Bob).
at this rate Omar might be known as Omar, the fraud king. It's sad to see he continue scamming people around.
I am pretty sure at this point there is no excuses that he can pull to justify for his scamming actions.
If he ever get ban hammer, I do hope it's sticky post on every single page so that everyone new and old will not get scammed by Omar again
I am pretty sure at this point there is no excuses that he can pull to justify for his scamming actions.
If he ever get ban hammer, I do hope it's sticky post on every single page so that everyone new and old will not get scammed by Omar again
Hey everyone, I was alerted to this thread in the morning by @Lemony Vengeance; I'm the friend he spoke of. First, I want to preface my words with a few things:
I'm not here to make enemies, I assume none of us are. I am here to share a fun hobby with people and experience arcades the way we all feel they should be experienced. I really don't like making waves, and that's a part of the reason I never spoke up about my experience with Omar/Horacio. There are also external pressures that I think have already been brought up by Rrewrite, Imborderline, and others; we worry that by talking badly (or really, just telling the truth) will start a whole heap of shit and you'll get black-listed by a group.
One of the things I cherish most about these hobbies (be it cars, arcades, retro gaming, software, etc.) are the community driven products. It's really fucking cool that those of us that can, all team up together from all different parts of the globe to create products that big-name companies never thought of, or straight up refuse to make. I have given a lot of money to people on these forums for these types of products and they're all fantastic. We also share a lot for free! That's awesome, too! I know I have shared a few 3D designs and some code here and there. The downside to this is there is usually a clique that produces these products, and I personally feared that speaking up would put me at jeopardy of being unable to patronize other people that weren't even a part of this fiasco.
I'm also a bit of a softie; I assume that most people are doing the best that they can in their lives and arcades are just a small part of each of us. So I try not to hold much against people. This has also cost me -- you'll remember that I lost out on an entire cabinet purchase from Yaton -- but again, I took the risk and I knew that losing that cash was a possibility. (Water under the bridge now.) My grace is sometimes taken advantage of as you'll see below.
All of this is the long version of saying, I feel pretty bad that I didn't speak up. I think my story may have kept other people, like Dekken, from going through a similar experience that I did. I also don't want this post to become another reason to start attacking other people. Even if it's somewhat deserved. Hopefully this can just serve as a history of what I went through and I'll let my experience be just that, a history.
If you've read all of Dekken's post, my story is dang-near identical. The biggest difference being that I eventually did receive a cabinet and then, after some time, the door. I also paid F&F for this and didn't want to lose another $2k if I didn't have to. This is an abridged version. I'm going to list dates we had conversations but not quote the entire thing. Some of it was just some back and forth about cabs, games, etc.
January 29 2022
This was hot off the heels of buying from Yaton. I knew I would want two cabinets so I decided to see where I could nab another one stateside to have a "guaranteed" cab and then one that is a little less so (from Yaton). I had asked if I can buy the cabinet unrestored to which he said no. I was a little bummed, I was willing to pay the full cost and take on the work; but maybe that wasn't clear. Anyway, I sent the money that day and asked about how long to expect. He said it will arrive in two weeks and then it will take a month or so after that. Perfect. I let him know that works out because we're in the middle of moving so that will give me some time to get settled before I drive out to pick it up.
Feb 25 2022
I get some photos of a restoration he completed. We had a little chat about the upcoming astro.
February 28 2022
I let him know I had a new job and was trying to make sure I can get the time off from work in order to come pick up. I asked him for a few dates when it would be ready and he said on a weekend. I proposed the 12th or 19th but assured him there's no rush; I was just trying to get a plan in place so I can get it on the PTO calendar. He said to let him double check when I paid him and when he promised. I said no problem and apologized if it felt like I was trying to rush things.
March 9 2022
Pinged him again to see if the weekend of the 26th-27th would work out and if that gives him enough time. Again, told him I don't want to rush, just still making sure my employer has enough heads up. He replies "Let me double check how much time I ask you, if I recall was 3 months Like everyone else You paid January 29th Don't worry I'll make sure you will be a happy customer."
I replied "Thanks bro!"
June 7 2022
He reaches out and says he's assembling 8 cabs and 2 had left the previous Saturday. He said he will contact me soon for mine. I said great I'll try to get some time off. I asked him to give me some dates so that I can make a small vacation out of it while we're out there. He said thanks for being patient and I said no worries. We chatted a bit about how many cabs he had been working on and I commiserated with him a bit about how tough customer-facing work can be. He sent me some pictures of the tube playing MvC
June 14 2022
Tagged me in a post on instagram with an Astro City in his truck
June 16 2022
Sends me a photo of another customer's cab he restored I asked if he thinks the cab is a few weeks away or a few months. I tell him I am looking for places to stay near LA as we get closer. He says "Maybe a month, No more than that." I replied "Sweet. Thanks for your hard work bro"
July 7 2022
I reached out "Hey brother! Hope things are well. Everything still on schedule for the Astro? Should we plan on coming out one of these weekends? Maybe the 16-18 or 22-24?"
He replied "I'l get back to you tonight! Tx"
July 25 2022
I reached out to Beltmann to get a quote. They replied on the 26th with a rough estimate of $594.48
August 10 2022
I reached out asking for updates. He said "3 weeks max ,no more I apologize for any inconvenience" I replied "Thanks for the update man
"
August 27 2022
I reached out: "Hey brother, is the Astro still on track for this upcoming week? Hope you're having a good Saturday
"
He replies "I'll do my best but yeah!"
I said later that day: "Hell yeah man! I may have Bellman come pick it up to ship because we can't drive out right now. So when it's done just let me know your schedule and where they can go to pick it up. I'll CC you on the emails and stuff so we can coordinate everything
. What email should I use to CC you?"
August 29 2022
I reached out to Beltmann. Told them it seems things are wrapping up and asked for an updated quote, they replied $573.42
I reached out again: "I'm sure you're crazy busy! Does the shipping all sound ok to you?"
September 10 2022
I reached out: "Hey Horacio, any updates?"
He replied "Hey buddy Slowly I have been giving customers cabs away" and includes a photo of some cabs being loaded on a CRST truck
I said "Awesome. Thanks
"
September 11 2022
I gave him my address, informed him there are no stairs for the truckers. He sad he would call Michelle to confirm the price
September 16 2022
Hey man! Any updates to share?
He replied "Let me call Michelle right now again"
September 19 2022
He asks for my name, number, email
September 23 2022
He says the price will be $545.44 for beltmann and they should email me. I told him I'm stoked and I'm cool with the cost. Thanked him for all his work. We chatted about other cabs he had been restoring and finishing for other customers.
A little later that day I asked if I should be receiving an email because I haven't gotten anything. he said "Don't worry they will even if not today."
September 28 2022
He messages me "They might contact you later on today Tx"
September 29 2022
I reached out "Hey man I haven't heard from them. Not sure if it matters; but I thought you would like to know"
He says he'll call Michelle
October 3 2022
I reach out: "Hey dude! I still haven't seen any emails come through. Maybe she has the wrong email address? Hope you had a good weekend!"
He replies and says he'll make sure they will between today and tomorrow and that "They are super busy and trying to fit you on a schedule"
I said no worries and wanted to make sure I hadn't missed it.
October 10 2022
I get an email from Fernanda at beltmann. They sent me a credit card link and I paid $573.42
October 24 2022
Cab was to be picked up this day
He reaches out: "The crt from the astro has jittery image I don't want to send it out like that I'm an honest person and my personal opinion is to have it fix Before sending it to you We have to postpone the pick up till I fix the chassis If I order the voltage regulator and HOT they could get here before Friday It was good it happened here! And not when you already have received it Id not have those parts on hand to fix it today it's a simple issue I always test the cabs before pickup and that's how I found out Today early in the AM."
Me, with less patience than previous times: "Alright, do what needs to be done. Do I need to talk to CRST/Beltmann?
October 26 2022
I reach out asking if the date is right. The pickup should be October 31 but it says November 28th. I asked if the tracking is wrong or what's going on. He says it must be a mistake. I said thanks.
October 27th 2022
I asked if there was any word from Beltmann. He said he messaged them and hadn't heard back but everything should be ok.
October 31 2022
Pickup day #2
"Hey man, all good for pickup today?"
He replied that he's on the phone with them and will explain in a bit.
November 1 2022
I asked if there was any news. He said they put it for the upcoming Monday. I said ok. He sent me a photo of him taking a big fall and we chatted about that. I asked if the astro was all fixed and he gave a thumbs up reaction to the message.
I reached out separately to Fernanda at Beltmann. I said:
She replied:
I told her I may attempt to pick it up myself and use the payment towards my shipment with GeekMan. She assured me that would be ok if necessary.
November 3 2022
I was a bit skeptical at this point that the Astro even existed. I figured I'd try my hand at picking it up and see if he calls my bluff.
"Hey man, since the Astro is all fixed -- I do have time this weekend and I can come pick it up. I can work with Beltmann since I need to use them in a couple months anyway" (I ordered another cab from FuryForce/Geekman since the Yaton one never arrived).
He replies it'd have to be Sunday afternoon about 7pm. (This made me a bit nervous...) I replied "Won't be able to make it for Sunday
. No worries though. Looking forward to Monday "
November 7 2022
"Hey man, all good to load up today?"
November 8 2022
I reached out to Fernanda at Beltmann:
Horacio messages me:
"Hey buddy! I didn't had a response form them yesterday What happens it has been raining hard on an off and I don't want to risk it I will contact them today again Please don't worry nothing fishy going on I'm an honest person where I'm at it's supposed to be raining on an off for about 3days I believe."
I replied:
"I contacted Beltmann to see what is taking them so long and they told me they haven’t heard from you about rescheduling. That doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence on my end.
Horacio, you’ve had 9 months to get this thing together. I have offered to pick up the cab, but there seem to be surprises every time we get close to the finish line.
I understand that things happen; but this has been drawn out a very long time. What do we need to do to get the cab to my house?
I think you and I can both agree that I’ve been extremely patient and gracious. I’ve allowed you a lot of time to get this wrapped up. We need to find a way to work with Beltmann soon"
He apologized for the inconvenience and said they rescheduled for the 14th and they will email me to confirm and he'll send me pictures of the cab.
November 9 2022
I asked when I should expect an email. He said I should get a call or email soon. He checked with me later that day and I still hadn't heard anything.
November 14 2022
I contacted him and asked if the cab was loaded up. No response.
November 15 2022
I contacted beltmann and asked
She emails back and says it was rescheduled for today.
Horacio messages me "Hey buddy" and then initiates a FaceTime call. To my surprise, the cab is being loaded onto a truck. I noticed the front door was missing. I was over it; I was just happy to see it on a truck. I made a post on KLOV to get a door.
November 19 2022
Horacio messages me asking if I made the post because he forgot the door. I responded yes and he said he would send the door and he'll cover shipping.
November 23 2022
Holy fucking shit the cab arrives. It's real. I am not going to talk about the condition of the restoration or my opinion there. I want to focus on the interactions. Suffice it to say it was not 9 months worth of work and it smelled like paint still, as if it was very recently painted.
November 27 2022
He said he'd ship the door out by Wednesday and asked if I had any interest in some CPS2 games.
December 5 2022
I reached out asking if he has sent the door. He said he is out of town and will send it Thursday.
December 15 2022
I ask again.
December 17 2022
He replies that he's been busy and will send it out Monday
December 20 2022
Asking again if he has sent out he door.
December 28 2022
He messages and said he'll send it out this week. I noticed he had lost a family member and offered my condolences
January 7 2022
I asked if he has had a chance to send out the door. He said "Tuesday for sure this time."
January 17 2022
He said he will send it this week
January 24 2022
I asked about the door. He said Wednesday
February 7 2022
He sends me a picture of the door and tracking. Door arrived within a few days. The door arrived also smelling of paint and the bubble-wrap left indentations in the paint. It seemed to be painted and wrapped quite quickly without time to cure.
So, all in all. I received a cabinet; but the main reason I was as patient as I was and didn't take action sooner was because I knew my money was basically lost. I had no recourse if I made him angry or annoyed and he decided to start ghosting me. I got lucky, I think. There are obviously people without cash OR cabs. Hopefully this can stand as some type of record.
I'm not here to make enemies, I assume none of us are. I am here to share a fun hobby with people and experience arcades the way we all feel they should be experienced. I really don't like making waves, and that's a part of the reason I never spoke up about my experience with Omar/Horacio. There are also external pressures that I think have already been brought up by Rrewrite, Imborderline, and others; we worry that by talking badly (or really, just telling the truth) will start a whole heap of shit and you'll get black-listed by a group.
One of the things I cherish most about these hobbies (be it cars, arcades, retro gaming, software, etc.) are the community driven products. It's really fucking cool that those of us that can, all team up together from all different parts of the globe to create products that big-name companies never thought of, or straight up refuse to make. I have given a lot of money to people on these forums for these types of products and they're all fantastic. We also share a lot for free! That's awesome, too! I know I have shared a few 3D designs and some code here and there. The downside to this is there is usually a clique that produces these products, and I personally feared that speaking up would put me at jeopardy of being unable to patronize other people that weren't even a part of this fiasco.
I'm also a bit of a softie; I assume that most people are doing the best that they can in their lives and arcades are just a small part of each of us. So I try not to hold much against people. This has also cost me -- you'll remember that I lost out on an entire cabinet purchase from Yaton -- but again, I took the risk and I knew that losing that cash was a possibility. (Water under the bridge now.) My grace is sometimes taken advantage of as you'll see below.
All of this is the long version of saying, I feel pretty bad that I didn't speak up. I think my story may have kept other people, like Dekken, from going through a similar experience that I did. I also don't want this post to become another reason to start attacking other people. Even if it's somewhat deserved. Hopefully this can just serve as a history of what I went through and I'll let my experience be just that, a history.
If you've read all of Dekken's post, my story is dang-near identical. The biggest difference being that I eventually did receive a cabinet and then, after some time, the door. I also paid F&F for this and didn't want to lose another $2k if I didn't have to. This is an abridged version. I'm going to list dates we had conversations but not quote the entire thing. Some of it was just some back and forth about cabs, games, etc.
January 29 2022
This was hot off the heels of buying from Yaton. I knew I would want two cabinets so I decided to see where I could nab another one stateside to have a "guaranteed" cab and then one that is a little less so (from Yaton). I had asked if I can buy the cabinet unrestored to which he said no. I was a little bummed, I was willing to pay the full cost and take on the work; but maybe that wasn't clear. Anyway, I sent the money that day and asked about how long to expect. He said it will arrive in two weeks and then it will take a month or so after that. Perfect. I let him know that works out because we're in the middle of moving so that will give me some time to get settled before I drive out to pick it up.
Feb 25 2022
I get some photos of a restoration he completed. We had a little chat about the upcoming astro.
February 28 2022
I let him know I had a new job and was trying to make sure I can get the time off from work in order to come pick up. I asked him for a few dates when it would be ready and he said on a weekend. I proposed the 12th or 19th but assured him there's no rush; I was just trying to get a plan in place so I can get it on the PTO calendar. He said to let him double check when I paid him and when he promised. I said no problem and apologized if it felt like I was trying to rush things.
March 9 2022
Pinged him again to see if the weekend of the 26th-27th would work out and if that gives him enough time. Again, told him I don't want to rush, just still making sure my employer has enough heads up. He replies "Let me double check how much time I ask you, if I recall was 3 months Like everyone else You paid January 29th Don't worry I'll make sure you will be a happy customer."
I replied "Thanks bro!"
June 7 2022
He reaches out and says he's assembling 8 cabs and 2 had left the previous Saturday. He said he will contact me soon for mine. I said great I'll try to get some time off. I asked him to give me some dates so that I can make a small vacation out of it while we're out there. He said thanks for being patient and I said no worries. We chatted a bit about how many cabs he had been working on and I commiserated with him a bit about how tough customer-facing work can be. He sent me some pictures of the tube playing MvC
June 14 2022
Tagged me in a post on instagram with an Astro City in his truck
June 16 2022
Sends me a photo of another customer's cab he restored I asked if he thinks the cab is a few weeks away or a few months. I tell him I am looking for places to stay near LA as we get closer. He says "Maybe a month, No more than that." I replied "Sweet. Thanks for your hard work bro"
July 7 2022
I reached out "Hey brother! Hope things are well. Everything still on schedule for the Astro? Should we plan on coming out one of these weekends? Maybe the 16-18 or 22-24?"
He replied "I'l get back to you tonight! Tx"
July 25 2022
I reached out to Beltmann to get a quote. They replied on the 26th with a rough estimate of $594.48
August 10 2022
I reached out asking for updates. He said "3 weeks max ,no more I apologize for any inconvenience" I replied "Thanks for the update man
"August 27 2022
I reached out: "Hey brother, is the Astro still on track for this upcoming week? Hope you're having a good Saturday
"He replies "I'll do my best but yeah!"
I said later that day: "Hell yeah man! I may have Bellman come pick it up to ship because we can't drive out right now. So when it's done just let me know your schedule and where they can go to pick it up. I'll CC you on the emails and stuff so we can coordinate everything
. What email should I use to CC you?"August 29 2022
I reached out to Beltmann. Told them it seems things are wrapping up and asked for an updated quote, they replied $573.42
I reached out again: "I'm sure you're crazy busy! Does the shipping all sound ok to you?"
September 10 2022
I reached out: "Hey Horacio, any updates?"
He replied "Hey buddy Slowly I have been giving customers cabs away" and includes a photo of some cabs being loaded on a CRST truck
I said "Awesome. Thanks
"September 11 2022
I gave him my address, informed him there are no stairs for the truckers. He sad he would call Michelle to confirm the price
September 16 2022
Hey man! Any updates to share?
He replied "Let me call Michelle right now again"
September 19 2022
He asks for my name, number, email
September 23 2022
He says the price will be $545.44 for beltmann and they should email me. I told him I'm stoked and I'm cool with the cost. Thanked him for all his work. We chatted about other cabs he had been restoring and finishing for other customers.
A little later that day I asked if I should be receiving an email because I haven't gotten anything. he said "Don't worry they will even if not today."
September 28 2022
He messages me "They might contact you later on today Tx"
September 29 2022
I reached out "Hey man I haven't heard from them. Not sure if it matters; but I thought you would like to know
"He says he'll call Michelle
October 3 2022
I reach out: "Hey dude! I still haven't seen any emails come through. Maybe she has the wrong email address? Hope you had a good weekend!"
He replies and says he'll make sure they will between today and tomorrow and that "They are super busy and trying to fit you on a schedule"
I said no worries and wanted to make sure I hadn't missed it.
October 10 2022
I get an email from Fernanda at beltmann. They sent me a credit card link and I paid $573.42
October 24 2022
Cab was to be picked up this day
He reaches out: "The crt from the astro has jittery image I don't want to send it out like that I'm an honest person and my personal opinion is to have it fix Before sending it to you We have to postpone the pick up till I fix the chassis If I order the voltage regulator and HOT they could get here before Friday It was good it happened here! And not when you already have received it Id not have those parts on hand to fix it today it's a simple issue I always test the cabs before pickup and that's how I found out Today early in the AM."
Me, with less patience than previous times: "Alright, do what needs to be done. Do I need to talk to CRST/Beltmann?
October 26 2022
I reach out asking if the date is right. The pickup should be October 31 but it says November 28th. I asked if the tracking is wrong or what's going on. He says it must be a mistake. I said thanks.
October 27th 2022
I asked if there was any word from Beltmann. He said he messaged them and hadn't heard back but everything should be ok.
October 31 2022
Pickup day #2
"Hey man, all good for pickup today?"
He replied that he's on the phone with them and will explain in a bit.
November 1 2022
I asked if there was any news. He said they put it for the upcoming Monday. I said ok. He sent me a photo of him taking a big fall and we chatted about that. I asked if the astro was all fixed and he gave a thumbs up reaction to the message.
I reached out separately to Fernanda at Beltmann. I said:
She replied:
I told her I may attempt to pick it up myself and use the payment towards my shipment with GeekMan. She assured me that would be ok if necessary.
November 3 2022
I was a bit skeptical at this point that the Astro even existed. I figured I'd try my hand at picking it up and see if he calls my bluff.
"Hey man, since the Astro is all fixed -- I do have time this weekend and I can come pick it up. I can work with Beltmann since I need to use them in a couple months anyway" (I ordered another cab from FuryForce/Geekman since the Yaton one never arrived).
He replies it'd have to be Sunday afternoon about 7pm. (This made me a bit nervous...) I replied "Won't be able to make it for Sunday
. No worries though. Looking forward to Monday "November 7 2022
"Hey man, all good to load up today?"
November 8 2022
I reached out to Fernanda at Beltmann:
She replies:
Horacio messages me:
"Hey buddy! I didn't had a response form them yesterday What happens it has been raining hard on an off and I don't want to risk it I will contact them today again Please don't worry nothing fishy going on I'm an honest person where I'm at it's supposed to be raining on an off for about 3days I believe."
I replied:
"I contacted Beltmann to see what is taking them so long and they told me they haven’t heard from you about rescheduling. That doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence on my end.
Horacio, you’ve had 9 months to get this thing together. I have offered to pick up the cab, but there seem to be surprises every time we get close to the finish line.
I understand that things happen; but this has been drawn out a very long time. What do we need to do to get the cab to my house?
I think you and I can both agree that I’ve been extremely patient and gracious. I’ve allowed you a lot of time to get this wrapped up. We need to find a way to work with Beltmann soon"
He apologized for the inconvenience and said they rescheduled for the 14th and they will email me to confirm and he'll send me pictures of the cab.
November 9 2022
I asked when I should expect an email. He said I should get a call or email soon. He checked with me later that day and I still hadn't heard anything.
November 14 2022
I contacted him and asked if the cab was loaded up. No response.
November 15 2022
I contacted beltmann and asked
She emails back and says it was rescheduled for today.
Horacio messages me "Hey buddy" and then initiates a FaceTime call. To my surprise, the cab is being loaded onto a truck. I noticed the front door was missing. I was over it; I was just happy to see it on a truck. I made a post on KLOV to get a door.
November 19 2022
Horacio messages me asking if I made the post because he forgot the door. I responded yes and he said he would send the door and he'll cover shipping.
November 23 2022
Holy fucking shit the cab arrives. It's real. I am not going to talk about the condition of the restoration or my opinion there. I want to focus on the interactions. Suffice it to say it was not 9 months worth of work and it smelled like paint still, as if it was very recently painted.
November 27 2022
He said he'd ship the door out by Wednesday and asked if I had any interest in some CPS2 games.
December 5 2022
I reached out asking if he has sent the door. He said he is out of town and will send it Thursday.
December 15 2022
I ask again.
December 17 2022
He replies that he's been busy and will send it out Monday
December 20 2022
Asking again if he has sent out he door.
December 28 2022
He messages and said he'll send it out this week. I noticed he had lost a family member and offered my condolences
January 7 2022
I asked if he has had a chance to send out the door. He said "Tuesday for sure this time."
January 17 2022
He said he will send it this week
January 24 2022
I asked about the door. He said Wednesday
February 7 2022
He sends me a picture of the door and tracking. Door arrived within a few days. The door arrived also smelling of paint and the bubble-wrap left indentations in the paint. It seemed to be painted and wrapped quite quickly without time to cure.
So, all in all. I received a cabinet; but the main reason I was as patient as I was and didn't take action sooner was because I knew my money was basically lost. I had no recourse if I made him angry or annoyed and he decided to start ghosting me. I got lucky, I think. There are obviously people without cash OR cabs. Hopefully this can stand as some type of record.
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To add, there were also hard working sellers like Matsu off the radar that imported quality hand picked cabinets, fully cleaned and repaired. Those cabs and that level of service are long gone.
It's also known that a large # of candies weren't "dumped" in Mexico. Over 150 Q25s and 200 Mini Cute were manifested from JP to a large Mexican/South American arcade chain in the early 2000s. It is how my Q25 made it to the US via a group buy after that chain shutdown. Not to mention Capcom Mexico S.A. DE C.V. surviving less than 3 years due to all the theft, corruption, and illegal practice. The chain had thousands of cabs beaten down, rusted to death, and went who knows where. It's why over the last 20 years they have been coming out of the woodwork. The majority requiring restoration. Sadly, a lot it has been a tainted history in the industry.
I'm just hoping these situations get addressed and if you are in a similar situation, paid, and waiting on something from Omar. Post it in this thread. It's a shame it has to come to this.
I’m struggling to understand why he keeps sending pictures of other people’s cabs?
I truly feel bad for all the people dealing with this. Clearly this hobby requires a lot of trust between both parties and patience on the buyer’s end. Also, you have to assume some risk on these old machines. But if a guy tells me multiple times “don’t worry I’m an honest person” alarms will be set off.
I get the feeling that Omar/horacio may have originally set out to do right by his customers, but is probably struggling with managing time/money etc. After the first half a dozen “white lies” that bought him some time occurred, at some point they became the rule rather than the exception. A backlog of projects and mismanagement of funds has at this point rendered him incapable of delivering on any reasonable ask which really sucks for everyone.
Hope everyone gets made whole, just my two cents after spending 30 minutes reading this.
I truly feel bad for all the people dealing with this. Clearly this hobby requires a lot of trust between both parties and patience on the buyer’s end. Also, you have to assume some risk on these old machines. But if a guy tells me multiple times “don’t worry I’m an honest person” alarms will be set off.
I get the feeling that Omar/horacio may have originally set out to do right by his customers, but is probably struggling with managing time/money etc. After the first half a dozen “white lies” that bought him some time occurred, at some point they became the rule rather than the exception. A backlog of projects and mismanagement of funds has at this point rendered him incapable of delivering on any reasonable ask which really sucks for everyone.
Hope everyone gets made whole, just my two cents after spending 30 minutes reading this.
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We will wait until 17th April, then we start banning /cleaning and you should IMO go to the police.
Everyone needs to act like Omar from the Wire comin’ when this guy sellin’ cabs.
Thank you
Thanks
Dekken
This is interesting to me. Years ago I bought an Astro from a guy named Jim Shewmaker out of Santa Ana California. It was several months where he kept giving me the run-around, and it got to where I could see he was selling all kinds of shit on ebay, and refused to refund my money. Then he told me the cab should be arriving on a certain day and that it was shipped with "Van Lines." The day came and went. I tried to call him again (I had spoken to him earlier that day) and the number was no longer in service. I called the cops out there in Santa Ana (I am in Austin Tx) and I was basically told it was 'buyer beware' and they couldn't do anything about it.
I threatened to sue him and all he did was refund half of my money. It's been almost 20 years (2004) since this happened, so there's nothing the cops would do at this point, but its good to see that they will actually get off their butts to do something about internet fraud now.
I hope you get it sorted man.
I'd assume this is NAVL - North American Van Lines (the company that eventually got absorbed by CRST/STI/Beltmann). Everyone used Michelle then too. Not important to the story, but figured I'd throw it out there.
If I ever meet a Jim Shewmaker, I'm going to trip him for you and steal his wallet.
Lemony Vengeance
Champion
@TodoRojo is a great dude, and I'm honored to call him a local bro.
I am betting that the day will come and go and Omar will not going to refund nor sending the cab. It's the same shit show like how he did @ItsBobDudes dirty.
tiff_lee
Grand Master
This guy yet again, always seems to be the same handful of guys ripping people off. People need to boycott these grifters and drive them out of the scene, sure they have the supply of cabs or whatever but they only have that cause people keep handing them money, meh anyway.
Good luck OP in getting your money or cab but we have another fellow member still waiting to be made whole so I dont have much hope, a leopard never changes its spots.
Good luck OP in getting your money or cab but we have another fellow member still waiting to be made whole so I dont have much hope, a leopard never changes its spots.
