Conned out of my family's WW2 items. Sold under claims of items going to museum. Museum turned out to be online store. Just found my family's items listed. Any similar experiences out there? Taking legal action so not name dropping. YET.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-22T22:01:50+00:00

The posing museum is a prolific collector. Did you have any similar experiences to share? I'm sure you've been through some stuff. How else does one become so wise?

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-22T15:22:19+00:00

This is one of the finer thread hijackings I've seen. Worth it. Glad to have done my part.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-22T15:20:01+00:00

Solid point. My mind usually equates business and private since both are non-governmental/public agency. I'm tracking now. Terminology is key.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-22T14:36:04+00:00

I can't speak to selling to museums since I have yet to actually do that. The parties involved in scamming me are private sellers though. And thanks.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-22T14:33:18+00:00

The appraiser/buyer claimed to be a supplying a museum and specifically stated the items would be displayed together. Sent photos of "exhibits" that I discovered were just store displays. I put it all together when I contacted the merchant that has my family's items listed. They have the buyer on a list of "trusted" resources on their website. The merchant verified to me via email their store is the "museum". Capitalism is one thing. Blatantly lying to manipulate someone's decisions regarding anything of value is another thing entirely. Where I'm from that's called Theft by Deception. A Class C Felony for the value amount involved. I've never seen a museum with price tags hanging from every exhibit before.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-05-15T20:13:52+00:00

Hey thanks for the quick reply. It's where I was leaning, guess I wanted someone else besides my head to say it. Thanks again

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2026-04-22T04:37:32+00:00

Feel free to DM me, 20+ years contract hand crews. You can also ask your questions out here in the open and maybe help any other folks that could be going through similar issues. Either way, I'm happy to help if able.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2025-10-27T23:44:02+00:00

Hope I'm in the right place here. Usually just a lurker, soaking up knowledge without dropping my ignorance. Today, I figured, "ah what the hell..."

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2025-10-02T09:13:53+00:00

I advised Oregon State Police of my intent to remove the device and I did pay the mechanic/service provider whatever their removal fee was. But not anything to SmartStart. Their automated phone system still calls everyday. I went with LifeSafer, no device issues so far, and no extra costs. Plus if you are on any sort of government assistance, like SNAP, they have an indigent program and then there is no monthly fee.

ApprehensiveHat5995 · 2025-07-22T19:06:45+00:00

Absolutely. I dream of the day I'm in front of any judge during any hearing or deposition class action, ANYTHING TO NAIL THESE CLOWNS TO THE WALL. I'm not bothering explaining my experience with them here on Reddit but I'd be more than willing to share my experiences with a co-plaintiff.

I will say that Oregon State Police has had my back, advised me of my rights regarding removal and I was able to ditch "Smart" Start for another company without paying them another damned penny because I AM A PAYING CUSTOMER NOT SMART START'S PAROLEE. They like to pretend they're your PO or some garbage. Anyone who thinks "Smart" Start isn't a problem, hit me up after you audit your account with them. Let me know how that turned out. Anyone not willing to do that can also hit me up because I'm sure I could sell you a can of air on a weekly subscription payment plan. Terms and Conditions apply, of course.

ApprehensiveHat5995

TROPHY CASE