What do you think of this?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

What do you think of this?

tobares troncoso · She's So Modern

The price of the fame. Beatles suffered it before. People interested on gain money, but this is also a sing of importance. Not so many people in the world can say they are happened of this kind of things. If it were an old guitar would be diferent, but a personal book of familiar photos... Sad thing

kidneybean · House on Fire

This belongs to Fifi and no-one else.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I'm glad I am not the only one who feels this way. It is quite upsetting that people want to make money in this way. How intrusive can you get?

Scottie · Loudmouth

I just hope it does not sell. It is quite wrong to sell something so personal. Fifi's memories of her late mother. If it does not sell and she brings the price down, could a group of us maybe chip in and send it to Bob? Maybe not practical, but just a thought.

-- Edited by Scottie at 20:00, 2007-01-27

Joke · The Dutch One

...or we could place a ridiculous bid, like 1.000.000 and frustrate the bidding?
I agree, it's disgusting to put something like this on ebay.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I thought about anyone chipping in if they wanted, but why? They'll make money out of it. I'm trying to get a message to Fifi and hopes she gets it. At least she can decide whether to buy it back, complain to ebay and reclaim her property or what she thinks she ought to do. I thought about complaining to ebay, but then, if they take notice, they'll take it down and there is no chance of getting it back to Fifi.

Derek The Dane · In the Long Grass

I may put in a bid for this item with the soul purpose of sending it to Bob/Fifi.Anybody here thinks this is a good idea?.This item is personal for Bob/Fifi,and it should go back there.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Yes and no. Why should we let them make money out of it? But yes, we get it and stop it going into the wrong hands. At the moment I'm trying to get a message to Fifi and she can do as she chooses. It is £115 if you get it for minimum bid including postage. Not cheap! The other argument against is that it may not be genuine and you will have been seriously conned!

Who is this person and how did they get hold of it?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I have received messages back from all 3 girls through their myspace pages. They are grateful for me letting them know - and sent nice messages back to me, but when they tried to log in they couldn't find it. I've given them more details, as it still shows up when I go in.

Now that they have been alerted, hopefully they will track it down and do whatever they think is best...

I have had a few messages from Fifi. She is understandably utterly furious (to put it mildly). It is in her hands now and she is going to do what she needs to to get it back.

-- Edited by Jules at 18:06, 2007-01-28

kidneybean · House on Fire

I hope she gets it back. Well done Jules for letting the Geldofs know about it.

You do wonder how the seller came by the scrapbook, don't you? Judging by Fifi's reaction, it wasn't honestly acquired (confirming my suspicions).

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I can't see anyway that anybody could have got hold of it legitimately. It's not like she'd give it away. Someone has stolen. The only way this person is vaguely innocent (of theft nothing else) is if they bought it from someone else.

I really hope they have the conscience to send it back once they have read Fifi's message. But they had no conscience to put it up. Given that it is clearly stolen property perhaps eBay will provide her with the contact details - failing that maybe they'd supply the police with them??

tinamcbain · Like Clockwork

Hi Jules

We spoke to Bob today, he did say he knew nothing about it, but when i explained it all to him he gave me permission to get involved. I have spoken to the person who has the items and they look as if they are sending them to me to give to Bob.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention

Tina

oshora · CRAZY

I was also shocked to see this personal item on ebay.
I asked the seller how they obtained the item and also, how would I know it was authentic. It is still for sale, which ends Feb. 1st. I did not bid on it, as I think it should be returned to Fifi. I will keep you posted as to what the seller states, if they reply. This looks like their first item for sale on ebay.

Obviously, this item must have been stolen. How else would this end up on ebay? Perhaps from an aquaintence of Fifi's, without her knowledge? Just a guess.

I'm back for a while.

O'Shora

Derek The Dane · In the Long Grass

I got a reply from this person on ebay.He/she told me that they found it in a car boot sale in Sussex.The person is new on ebay(has no rateing) and does not exept paypal.Sounds dodgy to me.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Like they'd tell us the truth. It sounds very dodgy indeed! Well we know for a fact that it is stolen goods.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

It has got 6 bids!!! Unbelievable

£205 and the bidding is private so we can't contact the bidders and tell them it is stolen property.

-- Edited by Jules at 17:31, 2007-01-30

oshora · CRAZY

Hi, this is the bidders reply to my question re. the item...unbelievable!

"I bought it at a bootsale two years ago in sussex, I can guarantee it is genuine, Bob geldof himself is after buying it, place a bid!!! andy"

I can't believe this guy! He knows SBG is interested in buying it and he still wants to sell it to him! A lot of nerve!

I reported this item to ebay security as a suspected stolen item (since I do not know all the details). I hope ebay security requests the seller to withdraw the item. I emailed the seller and requested he give this back to SBG due to the circumstances. I hope he does just that.

Outraged in Georgia. O'Shora

oshora · CRAZY

This is what I wrote to the seller just moments prior to posting this...

"Hi, This item is obviously stollen property! Am I not right? Please contact Sir Bob and give him the item back. If you are a fan of his, you will meet him. He and his daughter, Fifi will be grateful to have the item back. Perhaps he will provide you with a reward! Honesty is always the best policy. Decency is a virtue. Thanks for reading this. I hope you do the right thing. Franny"

O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Good for you. Fifi said it was safely at their country place in Kent last year. So there's a lie! Last year was just a few weeks ago. So she may be saying Christmas for all we know! I'll report it as well as I've had conversation with Fifi!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Maybe we should all bombard the seller with messages saying give it back! As if Fifi would just give this away! Anyone with half a brain cell would realise that!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I just spotted Tina's reply - somehow it got lost amongst the others. Well the sale is still up there, so are they really returning it to Tina? The response I received was today. Tina please let us know. Now I've started something I want to know it is resolved happily.

The bidding is private and the email address is an aim one. Very suspicious.

I wrote to the seller asked them not to sell it too. They gave me the same story about buying it at a car boot sale. I asked if they had anything else like it and they said no. Thought it best to check!

-- Edited by Jules at 13:44, 2007-01-31

oshora · CRAZY

Hello,
This is the reply from the seller who insists they bought it legit - which they probably did, not knowing it may have been stolen;

"no you are not right! have consulted my barrister about it, if they want it back then bid for it. thanks for your interest."

This is the response from ebay security;
"Subject:RE: IV%ORC115 PI: Thank you for Contacting eBay's Community Watch Department (KMM5695558V16440L0KM)Received:Jan-30-07

From:eBay Customer SupportExpires:Mar-31-07Hello,

Thank you for your report regarding potential stolen items for sale on
the site. Please let me explain our process for this type or report.

eBay prohibits the sale of stolen property. We are dedicated to working
closely with law enforcement authorities to prevent this type of
unlawful activity.

If you see an item on eBay that you believe to be stolen, the best
course of action is to contact law enforcement authorities immediately.
We will respond promptly to properly submitted requests from law
enforcement authorities.

If you contact a law enforcement officer, please ask them to contact us
directly. Law enforcement officers can reach us directly with the
information located on this page:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/safetycentre/law_enforcement.html "
Tina - if you are keeping up with this discussion, please tell Bob and Fifi that they have to report the item as stolen to police authorities if they wish to get it back without bidding on it. That way ebay will get involved and pull the item. Time is pertinent - sale ends tomorrow!

Well, Sir Bob can surely buy the item, so his other option, and probably best option, is to continue to bid on the item. I think he should still report this to the police.

Jules - Yes! I am going to send another email to the seller to let them know that Fifi states it was last seen at their Kent residence! You're right, I believe, why would she give this away?

Dang, I'd bid on the item, but it is getting out of my price range. I think Sir Bob has that end covered.

It's also weird that recently ebay has masked the other bidders emails so you no longer have access to them. Hmmmmmm, sort of suspecious to me as well...

O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Clearly this person has lied to Tina, and has absolutely no intention of sending it back. I did say to Fifi her best bet was to tell the police. However, I don't want to push it - I can't tell her what to do! Maybe she already has. She did say if necessary she'll buy it back. I said that she shouldn't have to pay for her own property.

The downside of celebrity is this. The upside is there no question that the item is Fifi's.

If anyone else doesn't mind sending a message to the seller and ask them to pull it down - do! I tried to prick their conscience (although they obviously don't have much of one to sell it in the first place) by telling that they were swapping a young girl's precious memories of her dead mother for money. It's dirty money.

So far no response.

O'Shora you can chose to have a private bid yourself, I don't know if eBay itself can put that into effect. So it is the seller who has taken that option.

-- Edited by Jules at 17:51, 2007-01-31

rekamarkovics · House on Fire

I remeber that Bob said in an interview that a gang has been steling things from his mainson. Maybe this guy is one of them.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

So, if we are to believe this person, that they got hold of it legitimately

a) Anyone with half a brain cell would know that Fifi wouldn't give the item away, just use your common sense on this one.

b) Why did they keep it for 2 years - but this is odd as Fifi said it was safe last year? It is rather convenient that they brought it from a car boot sale, it can't be proven either way whether they are telling the truth.

c) They have now been informed that the item is stolen and they still persist in the sale. Morally and legally they should return the goods.

d) They have also been asked by Fifi and Tina to return the items and still persist with the sale.

I think I'm getting sick of the human race. I'm just watching the news. Some homes in Oxford were flooded and much of their property was ruined. Looters have now appeared on the scene and taken what is left - including items of sentimental value. It is good to know that people like O'Shora and Mark Doyle were prepared to bid on the scrap book. It is reassuring, it is also reassuring that I am not a nutter because I think this person should give the item back and not take any money from it. Also those people who have stolen things from the houses near here. What is wrong with people?

I'm ashamed to be a human being

Scottie · Loudmouth

Jules, I hope I can restore your faith in human nature a bit. The folks on myspace will know already that I am involved in a project at school to equip and furnish a South African Nursery class in our partnership school near Durban. It is the poorest school in the area. We decided to fully invove our own nursery children, all aged 4 and 5. So, after putting up a display of photos and alerting the parents of our intentions, today I had a serious chat with the children. I showed them the pictures of the bare nursery, where the kids were sitting on the floor. Tying not to influence their answers, I asked open ended questions, such as "tell me what is the first thing that you think" and "how do you feel looking at this". I got, "feeling sad", "no toys", "no chairs", "no food", "no water". Is there anything you could do ? "I've got some money", said a 4 year old. "I will go to a toyshop and buy them some toys". "I have my pocket money", said another wee girl. "I dont really want to, but I will give them some of my toys" said a 5 year old. What an honest answer. Of the 60 children only one said "I am not giving them anything, I like all my toys" Again, an honest answer. That's Ok I told him. You don't have to do it. We originally had 3 weeks to do this, but have slightly longer now. We thought if the children could provide the little things, then we could buy or get donations of larger furniture. I am also hoping to get some press interest. So, Jules, all is not lost. Maybe it takes young children to teach adults about common humanity.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Thanks Irene. I know there is a lot of good out there too, but this is making me furious!

I'm really interested in what you are doing, by the way and would like to hear more.

oshora · CRAZY

Lord, what a mess!

Obviously, the seller is not backing down in selling the item. I think SBG is bidding on the item, that's why the bidders emails are blocked, so I don't want to bid against him! Wouldn't that be a drag!!!

"...Bob geldof himself is after buying it, place a bid!!! andy"

I did complain to ebay re. celebrity personal items being sold on ebay. I felt that the seller must prove the item was #1 authentic and #2 OK for sell (original owner confirming item may be sold (if alive), etc.). I imagine this would be difficult to police.

You'd think the seller would get a hold of SBG and let him know he has the item and if he would like it back..I'm sure SBG would provide a reward for, at minimum, the price the current owner paid. You think?

No, Jules, the world is not a bad place to live in. There are some rotten eggs for sure, however.

If Bob & Fifi really want the item back, they will, more-than-likely, have to win the item from "Andy" on ebay. Thank God Bob is a multimillionaire! No pun intended.

I would love to bid on the item, however! If I won, I would give it to SBG immediately! No reward necessary. I just don't want to risk it because I think SBG is bidding on the item as we speak. Can anybody confirm that?

O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Bidder 2 is winning. I looked at their recent 'wins', tell me if you think BG or Fifi would have bought all of this (bearing in mind Fifi told me she was registering for eBay that evening). Bidder 1 is similar:

Item 1

Music > Music Memorabilia > Rock

7

Seller 1

21h

Item 2

Tickets & Travel > Tickets

5

Seller 2

<1h

Item 3

Books, Comics & Magazines > Non-Fiction Books > Paranormal/ Supernatural

1

Seller 3

18h

Item 4

Tickets & Travel > Tickets

2

Seller 4

1d 19h

Item 5

Books, Comics & Magazines > Non-Fiction Books > Auto/ Biography

1

Seller 5

<1h

Item 6

Jewellery & Watches > Men's Jewellery > Cufflinks

2

Seller 6

<1h

Item 7

Dolls & Bears > Dolls > Artist

2

Seller 7

6h

Item 8

Books, Comics & Magazines > Non-Fiction Books > Auto/ Biography

1

Seller 8

1d 12h

Item 9

Health & Beauty > Skin/ Face Care > Travel/ Sample Sizes

4

Seller 9

23h

Item 10

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories > Women's Bags

1

Seller 10

<1h

Item 11

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories > Women's Bags

1

Seller 11

4h

Item 12

Sporting Goods > Baseball > Jerseys & Shirts

1

Seller 12

23h

Item 13

Health & Beauty > Skin/ Face Care > Acne/ Blemish Control

3

Seller 13

<1h

Item 14

Health & Beauty > Skin/ Face Care > Moisturisers

3

Seller 14

<1h

Item 15

Jewellery & Watches > Fine Jewellery > Rings

1

Seller 15

1d 23h

Item 16

Health & Beauty > Skin/ Face Care > Travel/ Sample Sizes

2

Seller 16

<1h

Item 17

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories > Women's Clothing > Tops

1

Seller 17

<1h

Item 18

Health & Beauty > Skin/ Face Care > Men's Skin Care

1

Seller 18

<1h

Item 19

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories > Women's Bags

1

Seller 19

1h

Item 20

Music > CDs > Pop

1

Seller 20

2d 3h

Item 21

DVD, Film & TV > TV Memorabilia > Autographs

1

Seller 21

2d 17h

Item 22

Music > Music Memorabilia > Artists/ Groups

1

Seller 22

23h

Item 23

Toys & Hobbies > TV, Movie, Character Toys > Disney

2

Seller 23

1h

Item 24

Dolls & Bears > Dolls > Vintage

1

Seller 24

3d 18h

Item 25

Art > Prints > Modern (1900-79)

2

Seller 25

2d 18h

Bidder 1's 30 day bid history:

Item 1

Music > Music Memorabilia > Rock

1

Seller 1

2d 7h

Item 2

Collectables > Badges/ Patches > Military Badges

1

Seller 2

1d 1h

Item 3

Antiques > Marine/ Maritime

1

Seller 3

8h

Maybe Bob/Fifi have talked to others who use eBay. When I use it I try to bid at the last minute to keep the price down! There is usually flurry of activity at the end. Maybe they are waiting? Or maybe they are just waiting for the police todo their job... I hope it is the latter.

-- Edited by Jules at 08:16, 2007-02-01

-- Edited by Jules at 08:32, 2007-02-01

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

I found an online a free legal advice site last night, so I thought I'd outline what's happened. I didn't say who the property belonged to but that it was easy to prove it. The responded with this:

Certainly a barrister would not have advised as is alleged. The only person who is entitled to sell this item is its rightful owner. It was not the man at the car boot sale (if he existed which I doubt) or the person who sold it to you. The police will doubtless consider whether a criminal offence has been committed.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

The item seems to have been sold to one debbieshaniatwain of Tyne and Wear. That can't be a member of a the Geldof family. You can now view the previous transactions this person has made and one is a signed thing of Jade Goody's. Lot's of 'celebrity' stuff and things you wouldn't associate with anyone in the Geldof family.

She's paying £227 for Fifi Geldof's precious memories.

It just seems sick to me.

oshora · CRAZY

Interesting...

The seller "Andy" sent me a response (to one of my emails I had sent to him , asking him to do the right thing); stating he had arranged to return the item to Sir Bob. Then I received a rather unflattering second email (after the auction ended) stating I was an idiot and that he would now never send the item to Sir Bob. He felt harrassed and was now angry! He never planned to return the item as he claimed. This email also stated that he had the item for two years and did not believe that Fifi saw it just last year at her Kent estate. What a thief and a liar. All along he just wanted the money, that is obvious to me. I hope Sir Bob is pursuing this legally. It is up to him at this point. This is really horrible. I feel bad for Fifi.

Positive thoughts: Maybe the winner is an aquaintence of Sir Bob and was bidding on his behalf...

I'm off to do some yoga and relax...O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Well I'm going to try writing to the 'winner' and see if they'll see sense. Ebay blocked me because I have no transaction with this person. She isn't selling anything so I can't do it that way

Bangs head against wall.

Words fail me. It was obvious he was never going to return it and just said it to appease us. Who are we going to believe him or Fifi? Fifi has no reason whatsoever to lie. It is possible that in anger she may have either said the wrong thing or just forgotten. However, he has lied consistantly throughout. We have only had brief interactions with him and that is obvious.

I've written back to Fifi and let her know the response you got. Hopefully, if she hasn't already, she'll contact the police now.

-- Edited by Jules at 08:16, 2007-02-02

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Good news from Fifi, the police are on to it and it is being resolved. Hopefully very soon her memories will be safely back in her hands.

oshora · CRAZY

That is really good new, Jules! Good work! I was getting leary of writing back to "Andy" due to his last hostile email. I also thought of emailing the winner, but didn't want to chance having the item not returned to SBG & Fifi, since "Andy" was so hostile in his last email stating they(SBG & Fifi) would never get the item back.

WHEW! Please let us know if the item was truly returned. Sir Bob should know he has such loyal fans who appreciate him for something more than a pretty face! We do honestly care about him and admire his talents - all of them.

O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Hopefully she'll let me know she has it safely. But I expect there shouldn't be a problem now. The police can get the addresses of both parties. It is likely that the seller still has it as they were only accepting cheques. Unless they were completely brainless they'd wait until the cheque cleared. Would love to have seen his face when the police called at his door

Indeed I hope Bob appreciates all this. I know Fifi does. Fifi knows it wasn't just me routing for her, I told her there was a few of us and people were emailing this idiot.

In return I deserve an extra big hug next time I meet him after a gig. What do you think?

dam9191 · House on Fire

I can't believe what people will sell out there at times. Good job catching this Jules.

I hope Fifi gets her scrapbook soon. I think eBay has a good method of dealing with non-legit items. Of course, the only worry to me is the fact that this is a new seller.

Peace & take care,
debm

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

We know the sellers name, we can easily keep an eye on them and see what they are selling.

horatio · Lookin' After Number 1

Dude got hauled in by rozzers thursday night and the book was retrieved and should be returned shortly. No charges pressed by family which saved his ass. Hasta luego.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Thank goodness for that. How do you know about it Horatio?

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

It is very generous of the Geldofs not to charge. If only the seller could have afforded such generosity in not selling it in the first place. However, alls well that ends well! With any luck Fifi already has it.

oshora · CRAZY

Hey! Is that right Horatio? Did it make the news?

Jules; doesn't SBG owe us an autographed picture or something? HA!

If this is true, then I am really happy for Fifi. I told the seller (Andy) that he was going to get in trouble over this sell. He didn't believe me and got really nasty with me.

Well, it was worth the hostile emails if the item was returned.

O'Shora

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

What a charmer that person was! Not. There are some hideous people in this world. I'd have loved to have seen his face when the police turned up. Thankfully there are good people around like you. You certainly didn't deserve any verbal abuse from this 'creature' but it shows exactly what we were up against.

I can confirm that the item has been retrieved, hopefully Fifi should have it back by now or arrangements have been made for her to collect. I don't know any more than that and don't expect to hear any more.

Hugs and kisses from Bob would do me nicely as a 'thanks'

Come on Linda, you would be happy with that?

oshora · CRAZY

Thanks for update. I am relieved, as I feel Fifi is.

A hug and a kiss? Yes, that will do!

O'Shora

Pezi · Diamond Smiles

Compliments to all of you who helped Fifi and Bob in this matter ! I have followed the whole story and was really shocked that some people can really be so greed for money and without human feeling for morality..... I hope that Bob will appreciate your efforts, above all Jules, and please tell me about the end of this story, when you hear from Fifi or so (I wish I could have helped, but how did you get in contact with Fifi ????)

Yes, a hug would really be appropriate....

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Hi

I got in touch with Fifi through her myspace page. It was the only way I knew how.

Yes, if Bob, Fifi or anyone else to do with them reads this, I really want an extra BIG hug next time I see him and kisses

It would make my year!

Ian · House on Fire

i am sure that can be arranged Jules we are all very greatful for your help in this matter you did great xxxxx

Joke · The Dutch One

Good work everyone, especially you, Jules!

Somehow I think I deserve a hug too ...

I also sent the guy an email, asking him to give it back to the rightful owner

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Bob is very generous with his hugs, so I'm sure noone else will miss out, who deserves it.

Thanks Ian. I'm just glad it was sorted out in the end. Those sort of things make you feel cold inside.

Cazzy · Tonight

wowee well done you guys!! i'm really so proud of you! (i know, sounds silly but true!) i'm so happy everything turned out okay! i can't believe some of the people out there these days =[ go you guys, go you guys!! woopwoop. i'm so happy and annoyed at the same time lol

god this story has really shocked me x[