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Brandon Cifani (Brando090) is engaged in fraud


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#1 George

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:00 PM

Brandon Cifani’s latest deception concerns the sale of very expensive pens. $33,300 worth of pens to be exact.

The following dialogues are known to both Daniel Kirchheimer and myself because we know each other and communicate with each other on a regular basis.We collaborated on our posts to ensure accuracy. To paraphrase the truly insightful words of a great pen broker and “deal”-maker, the pen community is indeed very small: (http://fountainpenbo...post__p__18610)

Here is my portion of the timeline of the events surrounding Brandon Cifani’s attempt at a $33,300 pen fraud:

On May 11th, Brandon Cifani sent Daniel Kirchheimer an email asking if he had a certain Waterman pen for sale.

Mr. Kirchheimer replied to Mr. Cifani, but he did not send a direct email back. Instead, Mr. Kirchheimer sent his response through eBay to User ID “penmaney” as both Daniel and I suspected that was Mr. Cifani’s eBay username. (See: http://fountainpenbo...irst-vacumatic/)

In the eBay message Mr. Kirchheimer asked penmaney (Mr. Cifani) what his budget was for buying pens. He replied back through eBay from his username “penmaney” and stated that his budget was “unlimited.” This confirmed that Brandon Cifani’s eBay user ID was “penmaney”, and it confirms that he did indeed buy the Vacumatic lot in the above FPB thread.

Mr. Kirchheimer sent Mr. Cifani a photo of the Waterman combo that he inquired about, and Daniel also sent a photo of some of his early overlay pens. Knowing Mr. Cifani’s fondness for deceiving people, Mr. Kirchheimer watermarked his name in the image of the overlays, and Daniel included a comment in the EXIF data in the image file stating “Daniel Kirchheimer owns all the pens shown in this photograph. Brandon Cifani does not own any of the pens in this photo.”

On May 13th, Daniel Kirchheimer sent me this email:

“Just to keep you in the loop...I emailed Brandon these pix, so if they somehow make their way around to you, you'll know the material is mine (and will remain that way).

--Daniel”



This is when I became informed about the above conversations between Daniel and Brandon.

Here is the picture Mr. Kirchheimer sent to me (and to Brandon Cifani):


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Knowing about the above communication between Daniel and Brandon, I private messaged Brandon on FPB on May 13th and asked if he had any interesting silver tapered cap pens for sale and/or trade. I knew Daniel recently sent him pictures of overlay pens, and I wanted to see if Brandon would follow the same fraudulent behavior that he participated in when he tried to sell David Isaacson a pen that Brandon never possessed. (http://fountainpenbo...dpost__p__18584)

On May 14th, Brandon responded to my private message and stated that he had some sterling taper cap pens that I might be interested in. To be honest, I was quite shocked that Brandon responded to my inquiry, especially since I have been known to expose Brandon’s lies once or twice publically on FPB. Did he forget that I already foiled an attempt of his to sell/trade a pen that he did not own nor possess?

Mr. Cifani followed that message with another FPB message to me, in which he wrote,

“I sent you some pictures of a recent overseas pen collection that I bought.”


And then in an email with an attached picture, he wrote,

“Here are some of the pens I can trade.”


What was the attached picture, you ask? Well, here it is:



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On May 14, I contacted Daniel and stated that Mr. Cifani was attempting to sell and/or trade me a collection of pens that he did not own nor possess. The photo Brandon sent to me was the same photo of Daniel’s collection that Daniel sent to me earlier.

The picture that Mr. Cifani sent to me of this “overseas pen collection” he had supposedly purchased was the very same image Mr. Kirchheimer sent me of his early overlay pens on May 13th, complete with watermark in the top left-hand corner and photo properties saying, “Daniel Kirchheimer owns all the pens shown in this photograph. Brandon Cifani does not own any of the pens in this photo.”

To be sure that Brandon could not retrace his steps and say that he simply mixed up sending pictures of pens that he had, and that he was claiming that he both owned and physically possessed the pens in the picture he had sent, I asked him about a few details of the pens (length of pens, monograms, etc), and I also asked about how this magnificent “overseas collection” was shipped to Mr. Cifani.

Brandon's response,

“The Waterman's on the left are about 5 3/4 inches long, while one being just lightly longer. The beautiful Moore overlay pen I was lucky to acquire a short time ago seems to have the cursive initials 'AG' or 'AC'. While I'm open to trades, I'm reluctant to let the Watermans go, and cash is king for these pens. As for shipping, I was lucky enough to get the package personally shipped with a secured delivery which was quite expensive, but well worth it.”


This reply made it clear that Brandon was claiming that he owned the pens in the attached picture, and that he had them in his possession. Note that he was interested in a strictly cash deal, writing “cash is king for these pens”. On a side note, we should really ask Brandon what shipping service he uses- I would like “personal” and “secured delivery” of all my pens from now on.

I asked Mr. Cifani how much he wanted to sell the entire group of pens in the picture for. Brandon responded on May 16th,

“For the collection, excluding pens 1,2,3, and 5 I could do $33,300.”

(emphasis added)

Brandon, how do you feel about trying to sell a collection of pens that you do not own, possess, nor have the ability to possess?


Did you feel exhilarated after thinking that I would give you $33,300 in cash for a collection that YOU DO NOT OWN NOR POSSESS??? This “deal” is not you trying to sell a $100 Waterman 52 1/2V, this is you trying to sell pens that you do not own for $33,300 in cash.

Brandon, do you think what you did is wrong?

What parts of this potential “deal” do you find to be ethically acceptable?

Brandon, do your parents or the police know about what you get involved in on the internet?


For those who are interested in learning more about the history of Brandon Cifani, I ask that you read Daniel Kirchheimer’s account of these events on FPGeeks forum: http://fpgeeks.com/f...29627#post29627

Edited by George, 17 May 2013 - 08:37 PM.


#2 JonSzanto

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:08 PM

This is all so sad. I'm closing the chapter on this young charlatan. Thank you, George, and Dan as well.

Edited by JonSzanto, 17 May 2013 - 08:09 PM.


#3 Inkysloth

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:34 PM

Wow.

This young man seems very naive, too. As you say, the pen community is *tiny* - it would seem pretty obvious to anyone with an ounce of sense that you'd need to be very very careful if you wanted to carry out dodgy deals.

But then the less intelligent someone is, the less aware they are of their own lack of intelligence.
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#4 BrianMcQueen

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:41 PM

Out of naivety, I suppose, I believed that Brandon might come around one day and become a contributing member to the pen community, or at the very least a decent person. All of my hopes are dashed now. I know it is David's policy here at FPB to give people second chances, but I think Brandon has used his second, third, fourth, fifth, and all other chances up, and it's time to add this board to the long list of ones he is banned from.

#5 BrianMcQueen

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:43 PM

Thank you, George and Dan, for the hard work you have put into exposing this young man for the total fraud that he is.

#6 penpalace

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 08:58 PM

I thank George and Daniel for bringing this to our attention.

On a side note I had an EBay transaction with Brandon where he also attempted to commit fraud. I won't go into details as I think George and Daniel have said/done enough. I will say to Brandon whom I am sure is reading these posts if you were to be paid over Paypal through fraudulent dealing you would not only be implicating yourself but also one of your parents or siblings. I was paid for a pen by you but it was another member of your family who's name was attached to the EBay account. Despite that you have not listened to anything anyone has ever written on this board maybe this is the one time you should think long and hard about what you have done.


That is all.


#7 Hugh

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 09:39 PM

I believe Brandon's obsessive behaviour and subsequent resulting actions are signs of mental issues/condition . I could be just plain wrong of course but "normal" just doesn't fit.
RegardsHugh
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#8 FarmBoy

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 09:46 PM

Amazing Depressing.

Thanks guys for sorting this all out.

Edited by FarmBoy, 17 May 2013 - 10:37 PM.


#9 vintage penman

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 11:10 PM

Amazing Depressing.

Thanks guys for sorting this all out.


+1

Now, I suspect the best medicine will be a ban from the forum. That way, his larcenous tendencies will be somewhat curbed for a time at least.



#10 Procyon

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Posted 17 May 2013 - 11:34 PM

Thanks, George and Daniel for exposing this charlatan.

I never had much hope for the kid. In fact, lately I was wondering if he was actually some fifty-year-old guy sitting at a computer in his underwear and trying to make internet deals. It also occurred to me that he could already be an inmate with a cell phone like the guys in Baltimore that ran the jail. Anything seems possible.

Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar.  And doesn't.

 

 

Regards,
Allan


#11 PatMorgan

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 02:12 AM

Dear Brandon,

How dare you.

I will repeat this. How dare you.

#12 Jon Veley

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 04:16 AM

Inexcusable.

This should be reported to the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.



#13 david i

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 04:35 AM

Inexcusable.

This should be reported to the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.



The AG of the Oxford, MI area...?

He might already know...

-d
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#14 JonSzanto

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 06:17 AM

You know, this is still bothering me. Saw it come down earlier today, and all during work tonight (sitting onstage performing music of some of the great Spanish composers with the Romeros Guitar Quartet as soloists), I couldn't get it out of my head.

There were a fair number of people on this board who repeatedly gave this guy the benefit of the doubt. I know I did, at times. Certainly our owner, David, was very careful to not let people pile on, and weigh things in as objective manner as possible. More than once I saw people initially smack the guy, only to back off and reconsider, due to age or inexperience or they just felt for the guy. And I know I called out Pat a couple of times for being a bit harsh.

And now I am left with a very hollow feeling, a feeling of one more small bit of my faith in basic human nature has been chipped away. Another card on the "Cynic" stack. In a global sense, it is a fairly small matter, but on a personal level, I am left depressed and frustrated. I wish this hadn't come to pass, I really do.

#15 Hugh

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 11:23 AM

You know, this is still bothering me. Saw it come down earlier today, and all during work tonight (sitting onstage performing music of some of the great Spanish composers with the Romeros Guitar Quartet as soloists), I couldn't get it out of my head.

There were a fair number of people on this board who repeatedly gave this guy the benefit of the doubt. I know I did, at times. Certainly our owner, David, was very careful to not let people pile on, and weigh things in as objective manner as possible. More than once I saw people initially smack the guy, only to back off and reconsider, due to age or inexperience or they just felt for the guy. And I know I called out Pat a couple of times for being a bit harsh.

And now I am left with a very hollow feeling, a feeling of one more small bit of my faith in basic human nature has been chipped away. Another card on the "Cynic" stack. In a global sense, it is a fairly small matter, but on a personal level, I am left depressed and frustrated. I wish this hadn't come to pass, I really do.


Hi Jon,

I would let it get to you. I've held the "flag" for Brandon because I've viewed ( rightly or wrongly) his behavior as a mental health issue , which doesn't excuse is actions btw. He's been given the benefit of the doubt here and many have attempted to guide him so his behavior becomes at least bearable, to no avail because he either is unable to comprehend the " big picture" of his actions ( and the possible legal implications if anyone is duped) or simply chooses to ignore it. All here are familiar with his antics, no one would buy or deal with him in a "pink fit" as his history is ...poor...so is this really a great surprise? If, as I suspect, this is a mental health issue then it would appear insufficient supervision of his online activities occurs by those responsible ( which also is the case if he is underage). If I'm wrong then as he ages there's a place waiting for him with bars on the window. You and many others have given Brandon every chance, that is a positive from a rather sad saga. Sometimes things work, sometimes not and in this case Jon you've given it a "good shot".

Regards
Hugh
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#16 Euro Vintage

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 11:58 AM

1368857840[/url]' post='25341']
You know, this is still bothering me.......but on a personal level, I am left depressed and frustrated. I wish this hadn't come to pass, I really do.


JonSzanto
Let it pass.
Life is too precious to be burdened with nonsensical characters.
I did, many months ago, when he contacted me with a PM asking me something in twisted English (forgot what it was now - a deal / trade in vintage MB, IIRC).
We all wish well for others: replying, educating, sharing.....
But we have to admit this is beyond our ordinary capability.
Thanks, George, for a careful expose on his deceitful conduct.

#17 brando090

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 01:29 PM

I really can't tell FPB how much I truly apologize. My actions were very arrogant, and irresponsible. I would like to apologize to everyone I have hurt, as I wasn't trying to deceive anybody. Simply I was looking for another buyer, so that two people could afford one collection of pens. But what I failed to consider, is I can only sell pens after I've bought them.

I very much take full responsibility for my stupidity, and I sincerely apologize to the fullest degree for my actions.

Edited by brando090, 18 May 2013 - 01:32 PM.


#18 david i

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 01:57 PM

I really can't tell FPB how much I truly apologize. My actions were very arrogant, and irresponsible. I would like to apologize to everyone I have hurt, as I wasn't trying to deceive anybody. Simply I was looking for another buyer, so that two people could afford one collection of pens. But what I failed to consider, is I can only sell pens after I've bought them.

I very much take full responsibility for my stupidity, and I sincerely apologize to the fullest degree for my actions.


Arrogance and irresponsibility really are not relevant. Sort of like an attempted murderer apologizing for being thoughtless. Perhaps you can find better words for what is wrong with you.

Also, you appear to be a liar or to have a mental defect. The issue of "selling" things you don't own clearly has been raised for you before, on multiple occasions. This is not new. Based (yet again, in this latest run) on your posts to George, we know you are a liar. Lying, by definition, indeed is deception, so clearly you *were* trying to deceive.

So, explain to us what sort of person fails to consider he cannot sell what he does not own?

Of note, you have "apologized" for this sort of thing before.

Who you thought might afford a collection matters not at all. It wasn't your collection.

Your posts on Gun, Precious Metal, Car, and Music Equipment sites are similarly interesting.


regards

david
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#19 brando090

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 02:12 PM


I really can't tell FPB how much I truly apologize. My actions were very arrogant, and irresponsible. I would like to apologize to everyone I have hurt, as I wasn't trying to deceive anybody. Simply I was looking for another buyer, so that two people could afford one collection of pens. But what I failed to consider, is I can only sell pens after I've bought them.

I very much take full responsibility for my stupidity, and I sincerely apologize to the fullest degree for my actions.


Arrogance and irresponsibility really are not relevant. Sort of like an attempted murderer apologizing for being thoughtless. Perhaps you can find better words for what is wrong with you.

Also, you appear to be a liar or to have a mental defect. The issue of "selling" things you don't own had clearly been raised for you before. This is not new. Based (yet again, in this latest run) on your posts to George, we know you are a liar. Lying, by definition, indeed is deception, so clearly you *were* trying to deceive.

So, explain to us what sort of person fails to consider he cannot sell what he does not own?

Of note, you have "apologized" for this sort of thing before.

Who you thought might afford a collection matters not at all. It wasn't your collection.

Your posts on Gun, Precious Metal, Car, and Music Equipment sites are similarly interesting.

So, what then is your defect?

regards

david


I was being very inconsiderate, and yet again not knowing the pen community is as small as it is.

Also this is not apologizing, this is a huge apology, in which I will be sure to step back from the hobby and rethink my actions.

I understand how it would be fraud with me taking the money and running, but I wasn't going to do that. I was simply looking for someone to buy into the collection with me.

Not only is this the second and last time I will ever sell without buying, but its the last time I communicate with people who have manipulated in the past and continue to manipulate me. The people who managed to manipulate me into trying to sell them pens, were people which in fact knew prior to messaging me that there friend had pens which they photographed for me the day before. If that is deceptioin, I don't know what is.

I would like to say again, I really have overstepped the boundaries and apologize.

Edited by brando090, 18 May 2013 - 02:17 PM.


#20 david i

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Posted 18 May 2013 - 02:30 PM

I was being very inconsiderate, and yet again not knowing the pen community is as small as it is.


"Inconsiderate" is not relevant, as it is not the root defect in play.

Also this is not apologizing, this is a huge apology, in which I will be sure to step back from the hobby and rethink my actions.


Again? Another huge apology? For doing the same thing over and over? Really?

I understand how it would be fraud with me taking the money and running, but I wasn't going to do that. I was simply looking for someone to buy into the collection with me.


Though I harbor no claims to legal scholarship, your interaction indeed was fraud. Your offer was to sell something that you did not own, at a cost of a year's salary for many people.

Not only is this the second and last time I will ever sell without buying, but its the last time I communicate with people who have manipulated in the past and continue to manipulate me.


The expression, "dumb fuck" comes to mind, pardon the R-rated language (We really need to install the language filters one of these days).

You still don't get it. You never get it. You will never know... never... who is "manipulating" you because you never acknowledge that only your own criminal tendencies generate this sort of situation.

Last time you thought I was manipulating you because I "let you" continue to try to sell me the pen I already owned.

Apologies are not relevant. As long as you don't see your actual (not your imagined) failings, you have no hope.

The people who managed to manipulate me into trying to sell them pens, were people which in fact knew prior to messaging me that they had pens which they photographed for me.


No one managed anything, save for you. Your childish and perhaps evil greed did the manipulating. You are not an honest person. Read that to yourself several times. You are not an honest person. You have had this situation occur repeatedly because of your simplistic view of how people earn money, how skilled traders trade. Your expectation that you will parley deals among people who actually know things, in a setting in which you know nearly nothing, is pathetic... pitiful.

And you still don't get it; each time you object to what you imagine other people do to you, really it is all you.

If that is deceptioin, I don't know what is.


The deception was your attempt not to take images at face value, to pretend they were yours, to pretend you had possession of pens you didn't. That you "dont know what deception is" is clear. It is... you.

I would like too say again, I really have overstepped the boundaries and apologize.


Boundaries really are irrelevant to this.

Kid, going through life evil and stupid will just not serve you well.

This thread has great value. It teaches hobbyists what they might encounter. Most crooks are smarter about it though. At least here we see bad execution so that the behavior quickly comes to light. Smarter crooks are more dangerous.

regards

david
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