A few years ago I placed a parts wanted add in Hemmings. I received a call days after the new issue came out. The gravely voice (with distinct grammer/dialect of afro american)claimed he was John Smythe in Iowa. He said he had everything I needed for the 60 Mercury I was restoring and wanted $1500 wired to him. When I told him I would not wire the money he went on a 15 minute rave. I hung up. He called back and I offered to come to him to buy the parts and asked what part of Iowa he was in; rant #2 and I hung up. This went on for 2 days. In the interim I spoke with my employer (the Mercury belonged to his Mother) telling him by means of "reverse look up" on the Yellow Pages web site his land line was registered to a house in Lincoln Nebraska. While on the phone with Ralph, Smythe called me. This time he wanted money claiming his semi truck full of parts was out of fuel and drive had no money. I told Smythe I would speak to my employer first to which Smythe got irrationaly abusive. Ralph & I considered the matter and I sent Smythe $200. The parts did not show up in the 3 days promised. I started calling Smythe and leaving messages. After no response, I used a different phone which he answered and I asked where my parts were. He hung up. I called the Lincoln Nebraska Police to file complaint, and they gave me the address and Smythe's true name: Donald Dockery well known to local police as a scam artist. Next Iowa State Police contacted me. Iowa & Nebraska arrested Dockery the following week. He was substantly sent to prison for the second time with his scam. Apparently he is out as I received a call from this fool last night. So beware of this guy. JIM
