Trader dying to get out of deal

A woman appears to have taken online trading scams to a new level, by faking her own death to escape a deal.

The weblog spareroom.co.nz, run by Herald columnist Ana Samways, says trader Tarns36 of Helensville put a pair of shoes up for auction on the Trade Me website, asking less than $100.

Successful bidder Rose, of Edendale, sent the money but did not receive the shoes.

Repeated emails went unanswered so Rose eventually posted "negative feedback" about Tarns36 on Trade Me, in a last-ditch attempt to get a response.

A few days later she got this reply: "This person was my sister, she was involved in a car accident on the 7th of June and passed away on the 8th. Please be assured if u [sic] can get back to me with details of shoes I will be sure to send them. Please allow sufficient time she also has a young baby."

Rose did not ask again for the shoes, but two other disgruntled buyers, alerted to events through Trade Me's online discussion forums, had fewer scruples.

Kent of Opotiki said he was "shocked and sorry for your loss" - but could he have the $36 tracksuit he had paid for? Louise from the North Shore said she had also paid for "3 funky handbags", worth $7.50 all-up, and could someone email her to "rearrange delivery".

Trade Me members' reaction ranged from distaste at Kent and Louise's lack of feeling to an it-happens-all-the-time cynicism.

"If I had a dollar for every trader I've dealt with who had a sick child in hospital I would be rich," said one.

One message even suggested that Tarns36's demise was no accident, that Kent and Louise's persistence had driven her to an early grave.

But last week Trade Me's Jessi Morgan confirmed that Tarns36 was very much alive.

The trader was now banned from the site but the reason for faking her own death was not explained. "Maybe she just couldn't be bothered posting the goods," Ms Morgan said.