1/19/12 I WAS ROBBED of $280 DOLLARS by an AFRICAN-AMERICAN 20-SOMETHING

8/3/2019 1/19/12 I WAS ROBBED of $280 DOLLARS by an AFRICAN-AMERICAN 20-SOMETHING

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I was ROBBED of $280, attemptingto PURCHASE AN

AIRPLANE TICKET TO WASHINGTONDC to ATTEND the

JANUARY 23, 2012MARCH for LIFE in

Washington DCDRO# 122005158 (police report)

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(also see http://i-was-


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TO LAPD DETECTIVES: ( made report at Olympic Division PD,Vermont Ave, on 1/21/12)

On January 19, 2012, I went on craigslist to find a plane ticket to

Washington DC from LAX & back (to attend a pro-life march) &found this guy saying he had a ticket for $275 (explaining he usedhis credit card and frequent flyer account, etc). He didnt want tomeet at his office(Asiana Airlines on Wilshire) because he said hedid this on the side and his boss didnt like him meeting withpeople at work. We exchanged texts & emails & finally I talked withhim on the phone & he explained it and said he had identification &once I paid him I would get a confirmation & official itinerary fromContinental Airlines. We met at McDonalds. He was a twenty-something African American man, and he showed me his ID (andwrote down an address on Normandie on a piece of paper, same ason his ID card).While we sat there he called the airlines and bookedthe flight & I got an itinerary and email in my box moments later. Ipaid him $280 and let him keep the change. I took a short vid of him(from which you see the pics below) as we sat there & that was it. Heseemed believable (said he was from Dallas, was recently laid off butfound some sort of work at Asiana airlines,etc, moved here to be

closer to his fianc. ) . I believed it was a credible transaction, buthad not yet tried printing a boarding pass.

The next day, a guy name Jared called me and said he was thinkingabout buying a ticket from this same guy and wanted to check withme if it was legitimate. I still believed at the time he called that itwas legitimate and said I think so, but wont know for sure until Iget on the airplane. I said I would text him when I was on theplane. On January 21 I attempted to print the boarding pass butwas unable to do so online. I called Continental Airlines (which ismerged with United) and was told that the flight was reserved butnot yet purchased (not paid for). I asked to speak to a supervisorand a person identifying herself as a Ms. Brooks came on and wasnot helpful, simply repeating that the ticket was not yet purchased. Iasked her if she was going to write anything down to prevent this

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from happening to somebody else or to help any possible policeinvestigations and she said Its not our responsibility .

I called Jared back and told him what happened. Apparently,

subsequently, he had already gone ahead with an attempted dealwith this same Will Elles for $250 which he has determined to alsobe fraudulent. He informed me that a third person by the name of Justin was also cheated. I texted Justin and he confirmed that hehad been scammed and sent me a picture of Will Elles licenseplate (see below). This is most of the information I have at themoment: My name is

Philip A. Kok, 16828 Chicago Ave. Bellflower, CA90706 323-316-0244,[email protected]

GMAIL MESSAGES TO & FROM WILL ELLES

Re: Round trip Flight - $275 (Downtown LA)

Will Elle

Jan 19 (2 days ago)

to me

Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Chicago, IL (ORD) Departing on Sun, Jan 22, 2012Flight Depart Arrive Cabin Seats

United 0385Status: Confirmed LAX 12:58 PMORD 07:05 PMEconomy (T)29CEquipment: Boeing 757-200 | Duration: 4h 7m | Non-stop | Fare code:Traveled miles: 1745 | Award miles:1,745 | In-flight meal optionsDownload to calendar Chicago, IL (ORD) Washington, DC (DCA) Departing on Sun, Jan 22, 2012Flight Depart Arrive Cabin Seats

United 0676Status: Confirmed ORD 09:00 PMDCA 11:45 PMEconomy (E)36D

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Equipment: Airbus A320 | Duration: 1h 45m | Non-stop | Fare code:Traveled miles: 612 | Award miles:612 | No Meal ServiceDownload to calendar Washington, DC (DCA) Chicago, IL (ORD) Departing on Tue, Jan 24, 2012Flight Depart Arrive Cabin Seats

Continental 0623Operated by:United Airlines Inc.Status: Confirmed DCA 03:35 PMORD 04:42 PMEconomy (E)

N/ASelect seat(s)Equipment: Airbus A319 | Duration: 2h 7m | Non-stop | Fare code:Traveled miles: 612 | Award miles:612 | No Meal ServiceDownload to calendar Chicago, IL (ORD) Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Departing on Tue, Jan 24, 2012Flight Depart Arrive Cabin Seats

Continental 0943Operated by:United Airlines Inc.Status: Confirmed ORD 05:32 PMLAX 08:00 PMEconomy (L)29DEquipment: Boeing 757-200 | Duration: 4h 28m | Non-stop | Fare code:Traveled miles: 1745 | Award miles:1,745 | Dinner Download to calendar Passenger informationPassenger information Seats Frequent flyer number Status

PHILIP KOK Flight: 0385 - 29CFlight: 0676 - 36DFlight: 0623Flight: 0943 - 29DSelect seatsAdd frequent flyer number Join Mileage PlusSecure Flight data completeReviewWe have revised some of our first and second checked bag fees for international travel. For the latestchecked baggage policies, please review all relevant baggage pages before you travel.

Check-in informationPlease note that valid, government-issued photo identification must be presented at the airport.View our checked and carry-on baggage policies before you fly.

From: JP VANDERKOK < [email protected] >;To: Will Elle < [email protected] >;Subject: Re: Round trip Flight - $275 (Downtown LA)Sent: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 6:11:59 PM

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Sounds good. I just texted u back

On Jan 19, 2012 10:07 AM, "Will Elle" wrote:

I am also off wilshire

________________________________ From: JP VANDERKOK ;To: Will Elle wrote:Where are youlocated

________________________________ From: JP VANDERKOK < [email protected] >;

To: Will Elle


6/17

Where are you located

From: JP VANDERKOK < [email protected] >;To: Will Elle < [email protected] >;Subject: Re: Round trip Flight - $275 (Downtown LA)Sent: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 5:21:38 PM

Can I pay cash? Ph# 323-316-0244 ,

On Jan 19, 2012 8:46 AM, "Will Elle" wrote:

No problem, I'll need the passenger name, date of birth and a contactnumber

Re: Round trip Flight - $275 (Downtown LA)

JP VANDERKOK Jan 19 (2 days ago)

to Will

What will be the exact times ?

On Jan 19, 2012 8:46 AM, "Will Elle" < [email protected] > wrote:

No problem, I'll need the passenger name, date of birth and a contactnumber

From: JP VANDERKOK < [email protected] >;To: < [email protected] >;Subject: Round trip Flight - $275 (Downtown LA)Sent: Thu, Jan 19, 2012 1:53:52 PM

** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

Need RT ticket from lax to wash dc. Want to be there on the 23rd of January (must arrive by 7am on 23rdat latest, leaving lax to wash dc on 22nd would be preferred, but possibly can leave late on 21st) & return24th .http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tix/2806115740.html

This message was remailed to you via: [email protected] this email is a scam or spam please flag it now:http://www.craigslist.org/flag/?flagCode=31&smtpid=20120119135357gAQ1CKVC4RGDPop81skKVA

TEXT MESSAGES to WILL ELLES WHO STOLE$280 FROM ME

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.craigslist.org/about/scamshttp://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tix/2806115740.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.craigslist.org/flag/?flagCode=31&smtpid=20120119135357gAQ1CKVC4RGDPop81skKVAmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.craigslist.org/about/scamshttp://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tix/2806115740.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.craigslist.org/flag/?flagCode=31&smtpid=20120119135357gAQ1CKVC4RGDPop81skKVA


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Received +13237394574 (Unknown) 1326996059699Jan 19, 201210:00:59 AM

Hi we have been emailing about theticket, it might be easier/faster to textme

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1326996494307Jan 19, 201210:08:14 AM

Sure, sounds good. So the total is$275, no extra fees or taxes ?


(1/2)Correct I pay everything, and youcan check one bag and bring apersonal item and carryon. After theticket is booked you have one year


(2/2)to use


I pick it up at your office ?


(1/2)Yes or I can book and come to youwithin the hour, confirm everything,your itinerary will be sent to youDIRECTLY from the airline, do


(2/2)you prefer aisle or window


During day flights I prefer window, atnight, aisle

Received +13237394574 (Unknown) 1326997726485Jan 19, 2012

10:28:46 AM

Ok I need passenger full name anddate of birth


Philip Anthony Kok, 1/20/67

Received +13237394574 (Unknown) 1326998631117 Ok

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Jan 19, 201210:43:51 AM

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1326998931121Jan 19, 2012

10:48:51 AM

ticket will be ready today ?


Ticket is ready now, I will contact you ina few


Where exactly are you on wilshire andwestern


I'm not there at the moment. I can cometo you


I'm at wilshire and normandie at AsianaAirlines


Great. I will be there around 2pm . Isthat good?


I'm off at 12 today so just text or callme, and we can meet


do you take credit card payment ?


I can't take a card payment from you asmy credit card is already attached to myaccount

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327003724383Jan 19, 201212:08:44 PM

What are the flight #'s ?


(1/2)Check your email I just copy andpasted the itinerary minus your

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12:23:51 PM confirmation number to your email. I willnot provide you with the


12:23:53 PM

(2/2)confirmation number until we are inperson because I have no guarantee u

will pay for the ticket

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327004755380Jan 19, 201212:25:55 PM

I just tried calling u, somebody said"andreas" & then I lost contact

Received +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327004911123Jan 19, 201212:28:31 PM

Hold on still at work

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327008831007Jan 19, 2012 1:33:51PM

Hey, I'm at the bank of america atwilshire & normandie. Want to meet atthe mcdonalds instead?

Received +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327009121616Jan 19, 2012 1:38:41PM

Ok

Sent +13237394574 (Unknown) 1327009537028Jan 19, 2012 1:45:37PM

Ok I'm at the mcdonalds, blue jacket wlaptop


Will, I was thinking about printing aboarding pass today, but it is asking for my "one pass number". Can you helpme ?

TEXT MESSAGES TO JARED (who lost$250 to the same guy) Sent 18182318661 (Unknown) 1327176167297

Jan 21, 201212:02:47 PM

This is Phil, re the guy selling airplanetickets for $275

Received +18182318661 (Unknown) 1327176624719 Yeah I have everything

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Jan 21, 201212:10:24 PM


12:50:45 PM

U going to file report with police?

Sent 18182318661 (Unknown) 1327181064325Jan 21, 20121:24:24 PM

Yes, I already called them, but can't goto the dept. Until later today or tomorrow. I still hope to find a flight toDC


by the way, if you can get this guy torespond by email or phone , if you arewilling to play along and say you want tobuy a ticket from him, maybe we cancatch him.


Oh I already emailed him from another address looking to buy tix...hopefully heresponds!


Perfect

Received +18182318661 (Unknown) 1327181408499

Jan 21, 20121:30:08 PM

Wit did the police say when u called

them?


They want me to come in person to thedept. Which is fine, but I'm not in L.A. atthe moment. I got to get all thedocuments together as well (ie paper copies of the email & text messagetransmissions. I also have a picture of him, ie short vid)


Nice, another guy called me and wantsto help too. His license plate # 6sim747silver Honda


The strange question is why would hegive you my phone # if I wouldn't verifyhim as trustworthy

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Whose license plate?

Received +18182318661 (Unknown) 1327182053368

Jan 21, 20121:40:53 PM

I don't kno y, other than he figured u

didn't figure out yet that he wasscamming. Could have backfired onhim. It's will's plate #


Absolutely. When you called me I wasstill under the impression he wasstruggling but legitimate. I even gavehim $280 and let him keep the change,trying to help him out


Re plane ticket from Will Elle.


This other guy whose number you gaveme (3949)?


Not that one, Justin 3971

TEXT MESSAGES TO/FROM JUSTIN

WHO APPARENTLY ALSO GOT SCAMMED:

Sent 3238543971 (Unknown) 1327182673675Jan 21, 2012 1:51:13PM

Re plane ticket u bought from "willelle"


Yep

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Did you file a police report yet?

Sent 3238543971 (Unknown) 1327182736785

Jan 21, 2012 1:52:16PM

Jared gave me your #. He ripped me

off too


I just landed in park city.


How did he rip u off?


I called police, but they want me tocome in with documents


I just got a text from justin


Any details would help. Jared said yougot his license plate. Where did umeet him?


Ok cool, he wants to help too


Can I call you later? I'm at Sundancefilm festival now .

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I WITHDREW $300 FROM BANK of AMERICA ABOUT 15MINUTES PRIOR

Card Information Cardholder Name: PHILIP A. KOK Card Number: XXXX XXXX XXXX 2080Expiration Date [MM/YY]: 08/14Status: ActiveNote: Your Available Balance may differ from your Actual Balance due topending transactions that have not yet posted to your account.

Pending TransactionsPending Transactions No pending transactions found.

Posted TransactionsPosted Transactions

Posted Transaction Details

PostedDate

Merchant/Location Description AmountBalan

ce

01-19-2012

BANK OF AMERICA*WILSHIRE CENTERLOS ANGELES CA ATM Cash

Withdrawal($300.

00)

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Documents

1/19/12 I WAS ROBBED of $280 DOLLARS by an AFRICAN-AMERICAN 20-SOMETHING