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pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 

Just got a visit from USDA. They got a phone call from concerned citizen- fig collector from CA.

It was about my eBay purchases from other countries. They give me name of a person as I refused to answer any questions before I know a source of complaint. I will not mention a name, will let you guess if you know something about fig community.

One of the sellers/growers/collectors who is losing a lot from GreenFin operation and has a lot of friends in Thailand. It is really easy to guess. Especially taking into consideration person who is attacking GreenFin very aggressive lately. What a coincidence….

Let me tell you what is going to happen now.

I will start working on eBay information available for public- who is selling and getting fig cuttings from oversees. Really easy to get all this information from eBay seller feedback. And identity and country from buyer is clearly indicated on their profile. Easy as cake.

I will order from this sellers to get verification of addresses and names. And will not only report them to USDA but send all purchased cuttings as an evidence and printouts of eBay listings with names of cuttings and description of figs.  “Rare variety from Spain”, let’s say- and it will be up to seller to explain how they got a variety from Spain without legal papers. But it is not a biggest problem- visit from USDA will be fun.

As this person proudly advertising his Facebook account I will be able to get a lot of information about his varieties and buyers from other countries. Sure it is going to take time, but somebody has to stop this person from feeling to be a king of fig community, even if he is ,it is still not fear to attack fellow fig growers.

Ops.. I forgot that it is not about comradery but $$$$$$$$$$$$$$....

It will explain a lot about few comments about GreenFin and his operation from a member who was registered 10 min before he post a negative comments.

Remember a member who was teaching you that it is illegal to sell/buy to/from other countries, but was getting all kind of cuttings from everywhere and then selling them on eBay?

 I will not mention Ponte Tresa but it is a good example. Remember last year sale of PT cuttings $80 each from CA seller. It must hurt a lot this year as GreenFin selling cuttings of the same tree only for $20.

Please spare your comments about Karma and such, be more specific if you want to discuss this issue.

Remember it is a public forum and it is a free country.

 
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Forgot to mention that this forum is big help, as many post  F4F names on  eBay sales .
reading this forum will give  interested parties more information about illegal trade with plants and cuttings.
Garlic_Mike

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
  Until the USDA addresses the fact that Ebay. paypal and the sellers profit from these sales and they continue, over years to let it happen over years which keeps them employed is conspiracy, entrapment and could even fall into RICO statute's with the number of people profiting, State lines being crossed and the "select" group of victims under which they operate and profit from, backed by financial records.

  Concern my ass.

Just want to say , I, and probably we, know who you are.

It really takes a low-life POS to be so "concerned".

Happy New Year. I hope everything you have dies.
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
 Why have a vendetta like this? Are you being paid by the feds?

What an interesting guess... Congratulation.
DevIsgro

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Since you admit to being here to sniff around the backyards and collections of forum members then you have no place here. You aren't growing figs that I have ever heard of, you aren't interested in figs, you have been identified as a scammer of figcuttings in another post (peony77), and you are a member in the interest of messing with collectors. Since you do not share common interests with the community you aren't a part of the community. You are just an unwelcome mole. It's easy to be passionate about rooting out illegal fig imports when you are being paid off.
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Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...
Garlic_Mike

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
I guess it must hurt a lot that James can send plants cheap, everywhere legally.

At least I hope it does.
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
  Until the USDA addresses the fact that Ebay. paypal and the sellers profit from these sales and they continue, over years to let it happen over years which keeps them employed is conspiracy, entrapment and could even fall into RICO statute's with the number of people profiting, State lines being crossed and the "select" group of victims under which they operate and profit from, backed by financial records.

  Concern my ass.

Just want to say , I, and probably we, know who you are.

It really takes a low-life POS to be so "concerned".

Happy New Year. I hope everything you have dies.


What important in this situation- I know who YOU are . Remember a pictures of your figs you posted? So it is probably few illegal among them. Relax, you are not #1 on my list , but you getting closer. 
DevIsgro

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Man, who pissed in your coffee cup. What makes you think you're better than anyone else, getting off with your fake authority. I think that you are a psycho. Without purchase records directly from overseas the feds have no authority. No way to tell if the foreign fig came from a collector in the US or someone abroad. A foreign name on a fig isn't illegal lol. How much are they paying you anyways?
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Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...
Garlic_Mike

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
I think you misunderstood.

I was referring to the person who called because they were "concerned", not you.

I will say it is not too bright to assume what someone else has, period.

You can put me on any list you want. I can account for every single plant, cutting and garden seed I have.

I spent almost a thousand dollars on Pro Mix last year alone. So unless you are privy to everyone's efforts, resources, skill, knowledge, determination and finances you should really not make accusations.

Just because someone has a lot of successful plants may be a reason to be jealous but not a reason to be a dick
DevIsgro

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
I find it highly invasive to investigate the purchase patterns of fig collectors and report them.to the government just for owning or selling a foreign fig without any proof of illegal importation. In any case it's none of your business, it's the business of the USDA to track that stuff. Additionally they have algorithms and computer programs for checking transactions. But reporting people for spite of out of self righteous ideals is a bunch of nonsense. You do t know what they have or how/where they got it and it's frankly none of your business. As a buy I feel you are entitled to know the variety is true to the name it's sold under, but that's it.
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Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevIsgro
Man, who pissed in your coffee cup. What makes you think you're better than anyone else, getting off with your fake authority. I think that you are a psycho. Without purchase records directly from overseas the feds have no authority. No way to tell if the foreign fig came from a collector in the US or someone abroad. A foreign name on a fig isn't illegal lol. How much are they paying you anyways?

It is VERY easy to obtain  purchase records directly from overseas. Let me tell you- go to eBay account of seller of fig cuttings, check his feedback- find a fig cuttings or tree - see who the seller was- print a page- here is your official record provided by eBay- nice and easy.
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Quote:
Originally Posted by DevIsgro
I find it highly invasive to investigate the purchase patterns of fig collectors and report them.to the government just for owning or selling a foreign fig without any proof of illegal importation. In any case it's none of your business, it's the business of the USDA to track that stuff. Additionally they have algorithms and computer programs for checking transactions. But reporting people for spite of out of self righteous ideals is a bunch of nonsense. You do t know what they have or how/where they got it and it's frankly none of your business. As a buy I feel you are entitled to know the variety is true to the name it's sold under, but that's it.

 It was exactly my point.  I was reported to USDA by a person who has no business to be vindictive after I post on this forum. Guess what- now it is my turn.I did not start it. 
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
I think you misunderstood.

I was referring to the person who called because they were "concerned", not you.

I will say it is not too bright to assume what someone else has, period.

You can put me on any list you want. I can account for every single plant, cutting and garden seed I have.

I spent almost a thousand dollars on Pro Mix last year alone. So unless you are privy to everyone's efforts, resources, skill, knowledge, determination and finances you should really not make accusations.

Just because someone has a lot of successful plants may be a reason to be jealous but not a reason to be a dick

 Mike, it will be no assumptions. All facts are easy to obtain.
Sas

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
I'll save you the trouble. The USDA has its own list of every overseas purchase and does not need anyone's assistance. You can take this to the bank.
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pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
 Sure, but they have to check all information they are getting as they visited me after such event.

 And I can give you a simple record from open source-eBay.

 do not want to mention a buyer - it was just one of the records that was easy to spot

Perfect. Good communication A +++

Seller:

Member id o.coutard ( Feedback Score Of 310)

During past 6 months

  Based in France, o.coutard has been an eBay member since Nov 17, 2007

   sixxxx_mxxxx ( 675)- buyer in USA

and  o.coutard selling figs only.
With little effort anyone can find out that it was a fig tree bought from France .
And I have an answer from o.coutard that he is not providing any official documents for importing plants.
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
To get back to person who sold me to USDA. And it was funny , because they were given address in a building- guess what- it is no garden in this building.
Sas

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
They already know if you bought even domestically.
With the list in their hand, they just need a verbal confirmation from you that you already bought from overseas. It's just a formality, so try not to lie.
I recall you saying that you do not want a visit from the USDA, so why did you get one? Here's my honest opinion.
They scrutinize sellers more than buyers, but both could get a visit depending on what is being traded. You really don't need anyone to report you, by purchasing from overseas you reported yourself. Now it's up to the agents to decide what to do with you. If you are rude, they could confiscate all your collection along with the soil. If you are nice, they might allow you to keep some. If they don't like you they might even make you pay a fine. One thing for sure no one appreciate rats, especially if they broke the law themselves. So I'm not really sure what you're trying to accomplish here.
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Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B
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kkk2210

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pofigist

. I will order from this sellers to get verification of addresses and names. And will not only report them to USDA but send all purchased cuttings as an evidence and printouts of eBay listings with names of cuttings and description of figs.  “Rare variety from Spain”, let’s say- and it will be up to seller to explain how they got a variety from Spain without legal papers.



Mate are you educated. Lets say cats are being killed in some village in california . You sound like "oh i'll go around and start killing cats and record my killings to prove to the law enforcements how its done". You'll be the first to be in trouble for knowngly buying such cuttings.


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Vinny

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Wish List : Callara, De La Rio,Cul Noir, Calvy, LSU Red, I-258, Maltese Beauty, Preto, FMV Infected Ischia Black UCD. 

My Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/myb/Summary?MyEbay&gbh=1
Vladis

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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Vinny, why Russia and not England?
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kkk2210

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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis
Vinny, why Russia and not England?

Hi mate , I didn't mean the entire Russian citizens . There was some scam going on by a Russian seller (probably not russian) and you are right there might be English scammers too. But pofigist's post might deter good and honest sellers to share their figs to others only because almost all figs originated outside the US. And it's not fair on honest sellers not being able to describe for eg: "this Fig was originally brought by my great uncle or grandpa from Italy, Spain etc". No offence to you mate . I sincerely apologise if I offended you and I have also deleted my post.
Cheers
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Vinny

Bognor Regis, United Kingdom

Wish List : Callara, De La Rio,Cul Noir, Calvy, LSU Red, I-258, Maltese Beauty, Preto, FMV Infected Ischia Black UCD. 

My Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/myb/Summary?MyEbay&gbh=1
ADelmanto

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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
If you could send the USDA over to my place to check my records that would be great. My computer crashed with all of my records in it. Maybe they have experts on this stuff and can recover my database.

Reporting each other is nonsense. If you mess with me or my family you'll find me at your front door and we'll "work it out". It's that simple.
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pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
Do you know were is my front door? Nop... So stop acting cute.
americanfiglover

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Posted Reply with quote  #23 
I know for sure they watch Ebay for out of country buying. EBAY will rat you out.

They came to my house and took all figs that's was in the same room as the contaminated trees from Turkey.

They arrived at my door with the print out of the eBay purchase. Info on seller and buyer. Literally the exact time I purchased it.

Just be careful people on who you buy from.
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Jarrett
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Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present
Everyone should have a green thumb
Figs: Nero600m
MTarek

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Posted Reply with quote  #24 

Pofigist, no offense mate, but this is so childish, you think that someone screwed you up with the USDA, so you decide to screw all American fig hobbyists?!! Do you actually know how much time, effort and money it takes to look after one's collection?! I don't know about the US, but here, down under, I didn't see this kind of attitude since primary school.

Mate, honestly, don't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut!
hoosierbanana

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Posted Reply with quote  #25 
Everyone please take a hint from the 6,000+ other members who are not commenting. Imagine if we all spoke our minds all the time, no one would bother reading.

You seem like drunk fools challenging someone to a pissing contest in your own kitchen!
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MTarek

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Posted Reply with quote  #26 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hoosierbanana
Everyone please take a hint from the 6,000+ other members who are not commenting. Imagine if we all spoke our minds all the time, no one would bother reading.

You seem like drunk fools challenging someone to a pissing contest in your own kitchen!


Do you realize how hard pissing contests can be?! Please take a hint from the 6,000+ other members who are not piss-contesting!
hoosierbanana

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Posted Reply with quote  #27 
The whole story is fake, everyone who believes it and posts a response helps sell the illusion. 
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pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #28 

Believe whatever you want- so far 10 eBay members reported to USDA for buying from other countries . All records and printouts from eBay were presented, so it is not fake or illusion anymore.
If you want proof I can post some records here.
Thank you.
Sas

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Posted Reply with quote  #29 
Pofigist, Are you still in high school? Just a simple yes or no. Either way, I suggest you grow up fast.
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Babylon

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Posted Reply with quote  #30 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sas
Pofigist, Are you still in high school? Just a simple yes or no. Either way, I suggest you grow up fast.


Rumor has it he's one of the scammers.
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #31 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Babylon
Rumor has it he's one of the scammers.


It is exactly your problem- you using  rumors and I will get facts and report it.
Keep collecting rumors- it will really improve your life, will get you very far in collecting figs etc.. Very productive , good luck!

Let me inform you that I will not prolong this drama, if you want to support hypocrites - good for you, since now I will do it without any more information posted here, but you can be sure that EVERY buyer and seller of imported figs will be reported.
See you.............
Garlic_Mike

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Posted Reply with quote  #32 
Now let me fill you in.

Since you used my post I hope to hear from them.

What you missed is the fact that there has been a problem obtaining Mr. Coutard's plants lately.

The "communication" was in regards to not posting negative information for the first effort and the second one, which you listed did not arrive so I can show them whatever they want to see.

Now check back the last couple years, anything? Nope, that's right, nothing.

Oops!

What you have done is made yourself liable for a lawsuit for the trouble, stress and aggravation you caused without physical proof or substantive knowledge to send an agent to someone's house. So while you are all high and mighty with your list, I will have the legal footing to sue you back to the hole you came from. I have no problem coming for your house and putting you in the street.

With your careless efforts at retribution, the agent will be obligated to provide your information and if need be will be accessed by my attorney's Lynch, Traub, Keef and Arrante. Look them up, they are some of the best. I will easily be able to obtain your name, address and will post it for everyone. At that point I can access your phone #, place of business and other things that will also be made available also.

I also have many, many friends on the West coast. I will not do anything, I will just tell them what you did. Good luck with that. I do not know where you are now, but that will change and so will the world you know.

See you soon.
Sas

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Posted Reply with quote  #33 
If you're paying attention, Babylon is gone, I suggest you follow him if you have any dignity left and please try not to morph into another alias.
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pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #34 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
Now let me fill you in.

Since you used my post I hope to hear from them.

What you missed is the fact that there has been a problem obtaining Mr. Coutard's plants lately.

The "communication" was in regards to not posting negative information for the first effort and the second one, which you listed did not arrive so I can show them whatever they want to see.

Now check back the last couple years, anything? Nope, that's right, nothing.

Oops!

What you have done is made yourself liable for a lawsuit for the trouble, stress and aggravation you caused without physical proof or substantive knowledge to send an agent to someone's house. So while you are all high and mighty with your list, I will have the legal footing to sue you back to the hole you came from. I have no problem coming for your house and putting you in the street.

With your careless efforts at retribution, the agent will be obligated to provide your information and if need be will be accessed by my attorney's Lynch, Traub, Keef and Arrante. Look them up, they are some of the best. I will easily be able to obtain your name, address and will post it for everyone. At that point I can access your phone #, place of business and other things that will also be made available also.

I also have many, many friends on the West coast. I will not do anything, I will just tell them what you did. Good luck with that. I do not know where you are now, but that will change and so will the world you know.

See you soon.

Help Report Agricultural Smuggling

Last Modified: May 19, 2015
Print

If individuals are aware of the potential smuggling of prohibited exotic fruits, vegetables, or meat products into or through the USA, they can help APHIS by contacting the confidential Antismuggling Hotline number at 800-877-3835 or by sending an Email to SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov. USDA will make every attempt to protect the confidentiality of any information sources during an investigation within the extent of the law.

Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance (SITC)


Have fun.................
Garlic_Mike

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Posted Reply with quote  #35 
notice it says "attempt".

Re; attorney

Keep laughing
pofigist

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Posted Reply with quote  #36 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garlic_Mike
notice it says "attempt".

Re; attorney

Keep laughing


I forgot to mention that USDA accepting Anonymous Complaints.
arachyd

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Posted Reply with quote  #37 
It also says "within the context of the law". That means there is a limit to how protected they will keep your information. A lawsuit initiated because of a frivolous report will certainly remove that protection of confidentiality.
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Dig

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Posted Reply with quote  #38 
Oh pofigist, you are a sad excuse. Once again BRING IT, or just go away and be quiet. My wife is my attorney btw. #ratsanonymous
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pitangadiego

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Posted Reply with quote  #39 
Back to figs.
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