I must say, however, that this event is somewhat bittersweet. The news for the rest of the Keith Kiiroja support group is not so good. In fact, I received a phone call today from another person who bought equipment [or thought he was buying equipment] from Keith on Craigslist, and this one really upset me. It certainly gets me worked up to read dozens of angry emails calling Keith a scumbag and a loser, but its quite another feeling that I get when I hear the actual voice of someone who Keith has {allegedly} scammed. This guy just sounded really sad. He was looking to me for advice because he just isn't getting anywhere with Keith.
He sent me some emails Keith had sent to him regarding his Craisglist "purchase" and gave me permission to reprint them without his name. I'm calling him "Mr. X". This is the second person who has called me about Keith since I posted the blog. There are also about 7 people in the "support group" - other than Justin and me - of which I think two got paid back partially or in full.
Here are some of the emails from Keith to Mr. X:
"I know you are infuriated with this situation and I want to do my best to correct it. There was a posting about me by someone on craigslist and I know that you are upset by this knowing that there is someone else out there who is dealing with the same issues that you are. Truth is in all of the daily madness I am dealing with in my life things became a bit overwhelming and I may have double sold an item and I have not shipped what was sold or I did and it was to the wrong person. Luckily, I have all of your emails and I am not a complete asshole. I am not looking to take advantage. However some of you may not end up with what you purchased. You will however get every penny back. I know I also gave a lot of you the runaround. I am truly sorry and I only have myself to blame for you being upset.
What I would like for all of you to do is write me back an email and let me know an amount that you paid, if you did a transfer, how much did it cost you? What did you buy from me and when? Also send me your correct address. I do not need any other words at all cause I know I handled this wrong. I am not looking to scam anyone and I think that is proven by the fact that I gave you all my home and cell #’s and I have been in contact as often as I could be. Some of you will get your money back and others will get what they purchased by January 15th 2009. I cannot afford to send anything overnight or express. I will also be willing to meet with some of you in person for the final transaction. Others are too far.
What I do find odd is that I sold numerous items on CL and I had some issues with shipping delays. I sold a desktop computer, a really expensive laptop, a digital point and shoot, a 30d and 3 lenses (more than a few months ago), 2 Alex Grey paintings, and more…all of those people walked away with their stuff after awhile and were all happy helping me and dealing with me. I am guessing though that none of you are interested in hearing their stories. I know you are all unhappy. Send me those emails as soon as possible and I will send you back either what you purchased or your money. Anyone who is waiting longest or paid in full will get priority over anyone else and I will notify you via email on what you will be getting. I am looking to get this back on track and as organized as possible.
Sorry for the inconvenience this all caused.
Thank you for your time.
Keith Kiiroja
Email me at keith@unkphoto.com with the following info.
Name:
Ship to Address:
Phone:
Email:
Item(s) Purchased:
Money Paid:
Balance Owed (Only if applicable):"
"Mr. X,
I just figured it would be easier to send you an email.
I am going to ship you the Camera ONLY and refund the money for the Lens. I have things squared away here with everyone else and you will be getting a BRAND NEW 5d.
I will call you in the morning after I arrange shipment.
Thank you,
Keith"
"Please one more final time, send me whatever info you would like for me to send you your money back. I know I may have sent some of you checks but I have to close my account after 2 of them clear this week. I had some fraudulent activity happen on my account and now I know how all of you feel.
You will all be paid what you laid out in a timely fashion, I promise (not that my promise means anything to any of you). No more bullshit from me. I am done playing games with all of you, I am sorry that you got caught up in my fucked up life. I know what I owe to you so please just send along one of the following so that you can be paid what you put forward.
Just so you all are aware, I am doing my best to fix this in a way that will not involve scamming or stealing from anyone.
I am once again sorry that I allowed my suffering in my life affect you in any way.
Full Name:
Address:
(for this I would send you a Money Order ONLY)
Bank Account:
(money would be deposited directly into your account)
Routing Number:
(if you want money transferred)
Branch Name:
PayPal Email Address:
keith@unkphoto.com
Long Island, New York
tel: 631-xxx-xxxx
mobile: 613-xxx-xxxx
AIM: SnapshotAssassin"
Mr. X made this transaction with Keith in late October 2008, and has yet to receive any merchandise or any of his money back. This is the latest email Mr. X sent to me [after I told him Keith paid us $450 and wondered if anyone else has had any luck getting the money he had promised them this week]:
"Rebekuh [sp],
Keith said they wouldn’t transfer money by phone so he is going to go Friday in person to the bank. He is still stalling. I text him that he is just stalling and I said that I was maybe going to start a blog to get his attention. I even ask what I should title it. He wasn’t too happy. Here is his blog “no, I am no stalling… u don’t need to waste ur time on a stupid fxxxxxx blog.” Then I said something about the law and he said “ I have spoken with the police and a lawyer… u have to take me to small claims. I could get u the money Friday…ur choice.
I am getting real tired of his lies. I still think I’ll wait to post anything on your blog but I can show you some of his emails if your interested. I have a business receipt for the 5d I bought from him and here are four emails that I received.
Keep in touch,
Mr. X"
All I can say here is that I'm really glad that Keith is keeping his word with us, but I wish he was able to make things right with the other people he's hurt. Keith has also made arrangements with us to send us equipment next week and asked for a two week period to get a larger amount of money together to pay for the Canon equipment. There has been some murmuring in the group that Keith is going to be "away and unreachable" for two weeks causing some worry that he's trying to disappear. Like I always say, "we shall see".
Thanks for the $$, Keith!! Hope to hear from you on Monday :)
[Disclaimer for those of you who have googled Keith Kiiroja in regard to considering him for a job: My intent in this blog is not to make commentary on Keith Kiiroja's skills as a photographer or character as a potential employee. I am merely documenting the collection of personal loans made to Keith by my husband, Justin, and also some anecdotal/alleged accounts stories of others who had business transactions with Keith involving the sale of camera and gaming equipment over the internet. Look, I can't stand the lying jerk, but if you want him to take your picture, more power to you.]
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