Mikevague

Thank you, yes it is. The good news is I spend more time with my daughter, and have become more in tune with the most high and theology. A new breed of post cyber hacker scum are on the prowl in our community. I'm confident many readers here are seeing how vulnerable we can be. That's the point of this post. Share your patches if you've been hit.

Hi Everyone, Long time since I've posted, hope you've all been well. I touched on this subject in Ted Massey's thread already, however theres a few things I'd like to share about how it came to pass for me. Some hard lessons... We collectors have an urge to share our music with others. Unfortunately, there are wolves in the sheep's den. More than seems comfortable.. How it happened to me... I let 2 younger dealer/collectors into my world. They had charm, good sense of humor, and wanted to travel with me to the out of town record fairs. The idea of splitting costs on the overhead, and having another set of eyes on the tables seemed logical. They watched me buy and sell very rare and expensive items and were able to inflitrate my lifelong contact list. Anytime you leave your keyring unattended you risk someone impressioning or photographing them for future duplication. There are also cheap electronic devices that will copy your garage or car alarm signals. I found out the hard way. A majority of records stolen from my garage were removed from the front roll up door with a copied signal (static code, rolling code is better but also can be hacked). Dozens of boxes of rare items. The thieves also gained entry for a long time through air vents on my roof, easily removed and put back. This went on for almost 6 years without me seeing it directly. I'd notice things missing and assume they were misplaced. What tipped me off was seeing both these fellows selling records that I was missing at shows and online. Their behavior became different as well. I also got random reports about similar behavior from other high profile dealers. Upon confronting them, the light trickle of theft turned into a flood. Thousands of rare records started vanishing around the clock, as well as wif fi hacks, telephone and computer problems, etc. Over 3500 photos (mostly of my new daughter) were deleted from my Icloud. They defeated my cctv and ring cameras. No footage of any crime. As I informed people ,the gaslighting started. Both thieves went on a huge mission to demean my family's integrity and sanity. Lots of my records were scattering everywhere. The big US ebay auctioneers got a LOT and had fences helping (I know who they are too). I have no doubt many members here wound up with records stolen from us and didn't know. Not their fault... This may have been prevented if I didn't trust these liars, and if my security was better. Word to the wise, look into that ASAP. I was targeted and hit, and it wasn't that difficult. I've spent $80,000 since to bar up all windows and doors, better cameras, alarms, barbed wire, double high security deadbolts, etc. They have not been arrested and are very actively selling my collection, getting very wealthy. All over. The fair booking agents and buyers want proof they are guilty, but thats very difficult when the local police don't prioritize the proof I've submitted. California is in hell with theft everywhere, and your records mean nothing to the police. They also expect you to have a full list of whats gone, and that you marked all of the discs with your own markings. How many of you have that in place, and would you be able to prove they stole it when it pops up? They can say they bought them from a local homeless guy. Like a local Long Beach record store kept saying as I asked him to help me. They have a loose network helping fence the records, it really is organized crime. I never thought this could happen. There have been threats of lawsuits for defamation of character so I'm not at liberty to give the names of the culprits, but I will hint they are from the LA/ Long Beach are of California, and sell in 2 months at the Den Bosch Record fair. Theres not many US dealers there, so do the math. They are low key but supply several high profile shops and instagram users. I'm not their only victim BTW. I'm still building my case. Its not over. There are people on our forum who know who they are. They can post their names if they wish. Buy better security for your setup ASAP. They know most of us live in homes with $50 locks, which are rubbish. Thank you for reading, MIke

The instigators of my theft will be set up and selling at a very big record show in europe this weekend. Buyers beware, they are selling blood diamonds.. They have raped my collection, stock, and family. Keep that in mind before you support criminal activity. They are Americans, I used to share space with them. Be careful, it can happen to any of us.

Btw I will not be in Den Bosch Holland this time..

It definitely takes the wind out of your sails… Liabilities and fear of theft are a millstone. There is no justification or excuse for theft, especially these records. They are a part of us and our life’s work. 40 years, non stop, I did this. Those who can’t work for their wares, but steal them, have gained no value, even the cash when sold is cursed. Karma is real. Someday these vermin will regret it.

It’s astounding the nerve of these individuals. They are selling records stolen from me to my contacts, and at shows I helped them book. Words cannot describe the pain and misery they’ve caused. And they still keep coming back.. it’s not easy to catch them, even though I’m very aware who they are. Be careful. Your locks and security system will mean nothing when you become a targeted individual.

Sorry about your losses, Ted. I understand.

I unfortunately have been hit hard too. In the last 4 months I have lost over 50,000 records most through air vents above my garage that have since been secured. LPS 45s 78s. 2 “friends” who set me up.. many have appeared on a few east coast auctions (the big guys) consistently since. Since I have no inventory lists, and no cctv footage (hacked), I’m 100% out of pocket. I haven’t sold at any shows now for month due to security concerns. My life is upside down now. The police want a list and footage and are condescending. Records are hard to get back once they’re gone. Organized setup against me that is getting others rich now. yes, many rare ones have vanished.

Hi everyone, I’ll be there with quite a few solid new arrivals on 45, anyone going, look for my space. All the best, Mike

Hi Mark, No, filed it back in the collection. I’ll still consider good offers...I will be in Utretcht November and can bring it for negotiations..

Very nice clean Vg+ both sides, has slight yellowing and moisture staining on both labels. Same backing track featured on other releases of the time including Sugar and sweet, King Solomon, and Leon and the brothers on Igloo as well. Pretty scarce and hard to find 45, no listing on discogs yet... has only sold once on Ebay to my knowledge a long time ago, and within the last year has sold in a private transaction in the four figures. Asking $1300, please pm for payment details, or any questions. Thanks, Mike

Been putting some nice things up on discogs the last couple days.. Please have a look.. Anything interesting can be purchased off the site by PM'ming here, will give a little off the price for payment on PayPal as friends. Thank you, Mike https://www.discogs.com/seller/mikevague/profile

No splits or writing, has a stain in the upper corner, please view photos. Disc perfect, near mint. Rare one. $600 post paid from Los Angeles area.

I have an acetate from bob relfs estate that is a different take. I’d love to hear this version mentioned and compare them.