Police seek help in finding Internet fraud suspect

Brent Whiting
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 1, 2007 03:10 PM

Glendale police asked for help Monday in identifying a scam artist who has defrauded people of more than $100,000 after they placed bids on an Internet auction site.

Investigators also released a security photo of the suspect, "Marian Budurascu," almost certainly a phony name, said Sgt. Jim Toomey, a police spokesman.

Budurascu has been involved in 12 known cases involving the sale of cars, trucks and boats with price tags of $5,000, and higher, but there may be other cases that have yet to be reported, Toomey said.

The con man will contact the unsuccessful bidders for items on eBay auctions, posing as the seller, then claim that successful bidder did not pay, Toomey said.

"He asks if the victims are still interested and convinces them to wire money directly to his account," he said.

Budurascu is not the seller and the auction items are not delivered, he said.

"It should be noted that these crimes are occurring outside of the eBay system, and the victims are not protected by eBay's safeguards," Toomey said.

He also offered these prevention tips for Internet buyers:

• Check the seller's reputation.

• Use extra caution with high value and popular items.

• Be wary of unsolicited offers from unknown sellers.

• Use caution for items with delayed shipment.

• Confirm authenticity and ask questions before you buy.

To offer information on the Budurascu case, phone Brandon Keefer, a Glendale detective, at (623) 930-3053.