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Zeke Scam Locked

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Posted by lionel2986 on Friday, July 13, 2007 12:30 PM
Well I've decided to keep my thoughts to myself. I just hope this incident doesn't effect these forums. Now I'll think twice before giving things away. Maybe I'll only give things away to people I can see face to face.
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Posted by simon1966 on Friday, July 13, 2007 12:05 PM

http://www.rccanada.ca/bb/viewtopic.php?t=33248&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=75&sid=244e5f1c33fd5e3a13b18e9509e7d27b

This is the link back to the RC site that first tried to warn us over here about him.  The chap that placed the warning got banned as well from trains.com!

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

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Posted by Fergmiester on Friday, July 13, 2007 12:01 PM

Dear Doug

Let's get back to the issue at hand. You feel betrayed and rightly so. There has been some talk of the Zeke in the CS and his issues and I for one really didn't know all the particulars though I could see that 1 + 1 was not = 2. I tend to be a cynic, which is to my detriment as caring as I am I am always on my guard. It has been my experience and I've been burned before and will be burned again no doubt, there is an element within our society that makes up a certain percentage of the population that cannot tell the truth to save themselves. Could be pathalogic, could be a number of issues. They are always there and will always be there. So remember this...

What goes around comes around Evil [}:)] He will have his day in court

So go easy on yourself

 Fergie 

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

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Posted by Milwhiawatha on Friday, July 13, 2007 11:49 AM
Doug good to see some good people are left in the world (that would be you) but unfortunately there are bad people to (zeke) Where were you guys when my mom was in the hospital with 3 infections and then my dad lost his job due to out sourcing? Kidding. i wouldnt have come on here complaining about the situation. But seriously you guys are great nicest people I have talked to on th enet, the only other people are some fishing online buds I have. I'm proud of the hobbies I'm in and proud of many of the people in them. All hobbies have bad apples, unfortunately us good hearted folks always seem to get took.
Owner & Operator of Midwest & Northern RR and Midwest Intermodal (freelanced HO)
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Posted by modelalaska on Friday, July 13, 2007 11:47 AM

 Cox 47 wrote:
Well after reading all the posts....I think I'll keep on praying for "Zeke"...and for myself I pray that it won't harden my heart when some one comes along in real need...Cox 47

Very good advice indeed.

Peter 

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Posted by mononguy63 on Friday, July 13, 2007 11:28 AM
 Dave Vollmer wrote:

Honestly, there are days even when I feel like a fraud, since I only served there for four relatively quiet months (2003) and was never wounded.  I came back to a staff job (Commander's aide) that ended up keeping me stateside.  Then I was sent back to school for a PhD.  So my contribution to the war effort was tiny compared to some.

Dave, don't you dare for even a moment think less of yourself for what you consider a limited role. If you've worn a uniform in service to our country, then you deserve and demand the respect and thanks from the rest of us whom you've served, regardless of the manner of that service.

Jim

Now, back to the trains...

"I am lapidary but not eristic when I use big words." - William F. Buckley

I haven't been sleeping. I'm afraid I'll dream I'm in a coma and then wake up unconscious.  -Stephen Wright

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Posted by loathar on Friday, July 13, 2007 11:15 AM

tstage-I was wondering that too. I don't remember him before Memorial day.(knew THAT story was a load of bull!) He did have over 300 posts but I never went back in his history to check him out. If you change your screen name it doesn't automatically change it on your old posts. I bet we would find he had a different name not too long ago.

I'm going to pray for Zeke...Pray he gets his butt stomped by a group of Marines in a VA hospital burn ward! His kind are the lowest form of pond scum out there!Disapprove [V] The only reason to turn the other cheek is so they are both rosy red from being slapped.

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:52 AM

 Cox 47 wrote:
Well after reading all the posts....I think I'll keep on praying for "Zeke"...and for myself I pray that it won't harden my heart when some one comes along in real need...Cox 47

Well said. 

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Posted by Cox 47 on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:39 AM
Well after reading all the posts....I think I'll keep on praying for "Zeke"...and for myself I pray that it won't harden my heart when some one comes along in real need...Cox 47
ILLinois and Southern...Serving the Coal belt of southern Illinois with a Smile...
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Posted by Dave Vollmer on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:24 AM
 MisterBeasley wrote:

When you look at the numbers, it doesn't add up.  He was too young for the first Iraq war, so now he claims he served 3 tours since the start of the second war in 2003?  Considering recuperation time, those must have been very short tours indeed.

He did carefully avoid saying he got any medals.  Saying he was wounded might lead you to the conclusion that he got a Purple Heart, but that's your conclusion, not his claim.  It may be that he's quite aware of the laws, and is intentionally putting together a misleading story which is not technically in violation of the Stolen Valor Act.

Mr B,

I know he's not in violation of the letter of the Stolen Valor Act, but if his stories are lies, he's certainly in violation of the spirit of the law.

Now, he said he was in his 30s and had been in the Army 11 years.  I'm just shy of 33 and I passed my 11-year service mark back in March (I was barely old enough for a commission!).  So that part adds up.  But then, I was in high school for the first Gulf War!

Honestly, there are days even when I feel like a fraud, since I only served there for four relatively quiet months (2003) and was never wounded.  I came back to a staff job (Commander's aide) that ended up keeping me stateside.  Then I was sent back to school for a PhD.  So my contribution to the war effort was tiny compared to some.

So when Zeke told his story I felt awed and ashamed.  If he's telling lies he'll have a lot of explaining to do to a lot of dead vets someday when his turn comes.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

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Posted by Train 284 on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:19 AM
And here I thought I had found a model railroader who was a good personand lived in the same town as me. You guys want me to go see this guy for myself? Bonneyview is a short 10 minute drive from where I live.
Matt Cool Espee Forever! Modeling the Modoc Northern Railroad in HO scale Brakeman/Conductor/Fireman on the Yreka Western Railroad Member of Rouge Valley Model RR Club
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:18 AM

When you look at the numbers, it doesn't add up.  He was too young for the first Iraq war, so now he claims he served 3 tours since the start of the second war in 2003?  Considering recuperation time, those must have been very short tours indeed.

He did carefully avoid saying he got any medals.  Saying he was wounded might lead you to the conclusion that he got a Purple Heart, but that's your conclusion, not his claim.  It may be that he's quite aware of the laws, and is intentionally putting together a misleading story which is not technically in violation of the Stolen Valor Act.

I would think the Original Poster, and anyone else who has seen their "acts of kindness" for sale by this bum on eBay, should contact eBay and explain that the items he is selling were obtained fraudulently.  I don't know what eBay would do, but it's probably a better option than leaving negative feedback.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by simon1966 on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:16 AM
Tom, I was curious as well because to me his name came out of the blue.  It was not a screen name that I was familiar with at all.  He had I believe about 400 posts.  The vast majority were on the Toy train collecting forum.

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

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Posted by canoncityxp on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:13 AM

Thanks to you and yours, Dave.  Words are not sufficient for the love I have for all who have served to protect us.

I too was suspicious of the miraculous survival, the near death condition of late and then the sudden discharge.  Even Micheal Moore couldn't dream up a scenario like that.  Would have made a powerful segment in SICKO by including Satan (aka insurance company) to Zeke's b.s.

Embrace those you love today. Tomorrow may be too late.
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Posted by tstage on Friday, July 13, 2007 10:08 AM

Does anyone remember specifically when zeke came on board here at the forum?  And how many total posts he had?  I was just pondering about a possible link between zeke and another former forum member...

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by Dave Vollmer on Friday, July 13, 2007 9:58 AM

You know, Zeke claimed to be a wounded veteran having served in Baghdad.  Well, I served in Baghdad (though thankfully wasn't wounded).  I have to imagine Zeke was lying about that too, which makes me extremely angry.

There's something called the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 which makes it a federal offense to claim to have been awarded medals which were actually not awarded.  By claiming to have been wounded in action...

"Myself i am a 30 yr old disabled vet ..served 11yrs in the army...been many places....went to iraq 3 times.... got shot 3 times and stabbed once...lost my brother over there...and countless friends.....i hope for a safe return for all....am very thanksful to those who will not come home....proud ...yes very...cuz not everyone can serve in the military ....I walk with a cane now..but im thankful to have both legs still.....i was shot in the heart and now have a diflibulator....but am thankfull its still beating....was shot in the shoulder but i still have an arm..." - from the Memorial Day Thread

..he implies he would have been awarded the Purple Heart.

By the way, having served there myself I can say that very few soldiers suffer chest wounds due to the extensive use of ballistic body armor.

Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 13, 2007 9:24 AM

 fiatfan wrote:
Ummm, how much is a hangnail worth? 

If it's on your middle finger, show it to Zeke.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by fiatfan on Friday, July 13, 2007 9:18 AM

Ummm, how much is a hangnail worth?

 

Tom 

Life is simple - eat, drink, play with trains!

Go Big Red!

PA&ERR "If you think you are doing something stupid, you're probably right!"

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Posted by Cheese on Friday, July 13, 2007 8:49 AM

Thats Hillarious,

A Brass Big Boy. LOL. Yes, I forgot to tell you all, I have Cancer and a Brain Tumor as well. Please send me a.....................

2 Spectrum 2-8-0's (Undec and Southern), a Spectrum Southern 4-4-0, a Spectrum 4-6-0 (56' Drivers Undec), a Spectrum 2-10-0 (Undecorated), a Mantua 2-6-6-2 (Undecorated), a Life Like 2-8-8-2 (Undec), Life Like C&O Berkshire, Broadway Limited Undecorated C&O 2-10-4, oh yes, and 2 BLI Light Mikados.

If you don't send me those locomotives, I will die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

Cheese

Nick! :)

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Posted by Wayzata Modeler on Friday, July 13, 2007 8:42 AM

Looks to me like he's already got some big brass ones.  Or did he lose those in the Boer War?


Trains - because it's never too late to have a happy childhood

 

Wayzata Modeler doesn't like to talk about his service in the Boer War - he says its just too painful still 

 

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Posted by Cheese on Friday, July 13, 2007 8:36 AM

My Lord,

And to think I shot off a 250 shot firework piece when I heard about he was getting better. That $50 I spent on it could have bought be that Bachmann 0-6-0 I wanted to get from Trainworld.

What a creep.

Cheese

Nick! :)

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 13, 2007 8:28 AM
 Wayzata Modeler wrote:

As I write this, I can hear his screams from the ambulance to tell of you guys all of this and that he really could use something called an "all brass big boy" to cheer him up.

Looks to me like he's already got some big brass ones.  Or did he lose those in the Boer War?

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by Wayzata Modeler on Friday, July 13, 2007 8:17 AM

 

Hello Everyone -

This is Ethel, I am Wayzata Modeler's third-cousin-once-removed-on-his-mother's-side.  As I write this, Wayzata Modeler is being wheeled away by medical personnel due to a tragic accident while he was wiring a new industrial turnout.  A lightening strike traveled through the power lines, to the outlet serving the layout, traveling through the power unit, to the turnout points, through the small screwdriver he was holding and finally searing into Wayzata Modeler's chest wall.  The powerful impact of the strike re-opened the nipple to nipple scar on his chest that originated with a war injury he realized in the 1967 seven day Israeli-Arab war. 

The timing of this terrible accident is also tragic in that he was to attend a ceremony tomorrow to receive a special award for rescuing a family of 11 (and their 5 pets) from a burning building and toxic spill just last week.

As I write this, I can hear his screams from the ambulance to tell of you guys all of this and that he really could use something called an "all brass big boy" to cheer him up.

Thanks for caring and being there. 

 

 

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 13, 2007 7:16 AM
Gee, it's too bad that a nice girl like Jenny got taken in by this bum, huh?   Whistling [:-^]

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by Medina1128 on Friday, July 13, 2007 7:14 AM

Sadly, there are people that prey on the kindness of others. There was a guy that worked at the nuclear power plant that I worked at; wife was ill, bearing their first child. They both died during delivery. He collected over $3000 in cash donations. Outcome: he went to jail for fraud - he was NEVER married, let alone lost his wife. Even with scammers out there, I will still donate things, even money to someone who claims to be in need.. You never know.. you could make a real difference in someone's life one day through an act of kindness...

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Posted by simon1966 on Friday, July 13, 2007 6:59 AM

Many of you may have missed it, but I happened to be on-line yesterday when the Zeke thread got zapped.  Someone had posted to the Trains forum a link to an RC forum in Canada where an individual had been scammed out of an RC truck.  They were adamant that the whole medical thing and the existence of the girlfriend was a scam to gain sympathy.  They had wanted to warn the trains.com community to stay away.  I have no idea where the truth lies here, but it appears that at least 2 people feel scammed by someone called Zeke.

Folks, all I can say is that you are an amazing group of compassionate people.  The heartfelt support offered to Zeke is a testament to the type of individuals found on this list.  In some strange way I feel a little ashamed because I was unable to offer my prayers and support for him.  I came to the original thread quite late and was very skeptical.  I had a real hard time swallowing the medical history that included heart infection, stroke and brain tumor and emergency re-admissions to the ICU one day only to be home 24 hours later. 

IMO this person truly needs our prayers now.  This time it is not just their life that is at stake.

Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum

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Posted by tcwright973 on Friday, July 13, 2007 6:57 AM

I thought that I was just getting old and cranky, but this whole story didn't ring true to me for some reason. The shame of it is, things like this make us all wary and really hurts those who are truly in need. But you can't place any blame or ridicule on someone who might have showed compassion and sent items or money, for they all had good hearts.

Tom

Tom

Pittsburgh, PA

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Friday, July 13, 2007 6:44 AM

Well, you've got her address.  Send her a pound of dung, or a dead mouse.  Let's see how much she gets for that on eBay.  (Yeah, there's a buyer for everything.)

Or maybe it's a boy named Sue?

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, July 13, 2007 3:00 AM
 loathar wrote:

I smelled a rat right from the start. That's why you didn't see me telling him to get better.Disapprove [V]

The Devil will staighten his butt out one day.Evil [}:)]

 ..glad i wasnt the only one.

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Posted by challenger3980 on Friday, July 13, 2007 2:59 AM
 tstage wrote:

So, Doug...do we take your word for granted?  Or do we get to see an eBay link to your old K-line 0-4-0 Porter?  And what is this distinguishing mark?  Sorry.  I guess I'd like to see the proof with my own eyes. Smile [:)]

Tom 

Hi Again Tom,

   I just thought of another way to verify my claim, again go to ebay and search item#270095648440, or check my feedback page,(challenger3980) I bought 2 Lionel Union Pacific Berkshire locomotives from FORYOURCOLLECTION-1 one for myself, and one for a nephew, they both came with free cabooses which are shown in the listing pics, one of them is the one that I sent to Zeke, which You found that one in the ebay listing already. The feedback date was April 14th so it will not show a full listing and pics for much longer but it is there right now. And I understand about being skeptical of posts(IMAGINE THAT). But the Honest have nothing to Hide.

                                                                                     Doug.

May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails

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