Podcast Summary
Story of a rare book fraud: Apple Card offers daily cash rewards, Progressive promises average savings, but beware of credit card fraud when selling valuable items over the phone.
Apple Card offers daily cash rewards with up to 3% on Apple purchases, 2% on Apple Pay purchases, and 1% on other purchases. Meanwhile, Progressive insurance promises average savings of $744 for new customers. However, an intriguing anecdote from the discussion highlights the risks of rare book sales over the phone. In 2001, a rare book dealer, John Creighton, sold a valuable Thomas Hardy book to a customer over the phone and charged it to their credit card. The sale went through, but a month later, the dealer received a call from the real cardholder, who hadn't made the purchase. It turned out to be a credit card fraud case, which was common among rare book dealers in the late 90s and early 2000s. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in such transactions. Overall, while Apple Card and Progressive offer attractive incentives, it's crucial to remain vigilant against fraudulent activities, especially when dealing with valuable items or large transactions.
Persistent book thief outsmarts dealers, new tech aids in information sharing: Traditional theft reporting methods were outdated, a new email list allowed quick sharing of info, and technology aided in identifying patterns despite the thief's elusive methods.
The antiquarian book world was facing a persistent and elusive thief, who managed to outsmart rare book dealers despite their efforts to report and share information. The traditional methods of reporting thefts through pink sheets and mail were outdated, leading Ken Sanders, the ABAA's security chair, to introduce an email list for sharing theft reports. This technological advancement allowed dealers to share information quickly and effectively, enabling them to identify patterns and potential links between thefts. However, the thief's methods remained a mystery, as none of the stolen books were being resold, leaving the police and the book community puzzled. This story underscores the importance of adapting to technology and sharing information in order to combat persistent and evasive criminals.
Rare Book Theft: A Complex Web of Stolen Books and Booksellers: Collaboration between law enforcement and the book trade community is crucial in apprehending rare book thieves, but the complex nature of these crimes can make it challenging to recover stolen items and locate the perpetrators.
A rare book theft worth over $100,000 was a result of a complex web of stolen books and booksellers involving multiple states and jurisdictions. Ken Sanders, a rare book dealer, managed to catch the thief, John Charles Gilkey, by setting up a sting operation with the help of another dealer, Ken Lopez, and a detective, Kenneth Munson. Gilkey was eventually arrested but couldn't be traced for the stolen books or his personal whereabouts. Despite the initial success, Sanders was frustrated when Gilkey was released on bail due to lack of evidence, but was assured that his fingerprints were on file and would lead to his eventual capture. This incident highlights the challenges of dealing with rare book thefts and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the book trade community to apprehend such criminals.
The power of persistence and collaboration in solving complex problems: Persistence and collaboration can lead to temporary solutions, but they are crucial steps towards finding a permanent resolution. Utilize technology and build strong relationships to overcome challenges.
Persistence and collaboration can lead to successful outcomes in solving complex problems, even if the solution seems temporary. In the story, Ken Sanders, a rare book dealer, used his network and quick thinking to help apprehend a notorious book thief, Gilkey. Despite the initial success of catching Gilkey and seizing stolen books, the thief managed to evade justice multiple times. However, the story highlights the importance of not giving up and continuing to work towards a solution. Additionally, the use of technology, such as real-time communication and email alerts, played a crucial role in tracking down the thief. The story also showcases the camaraderie among the rare book dealers and their dedication to preserving the authenticity and value of their collections.
John Gilkey's book collection reflected his identity: John Gilkey's obsession with rare books shaped his self-image and granted him a respected persona, causing him to keep his collection hidden but not shying away from publicity when it came.
John Gilkey's obsession with collecting rare books was deeply intertwined with his identity and self-image. Over several years, Alison Hoover Bartlett interviewed Gilkey multiple times, finding each encounter surprising and intriguing. Gilkey's collection represented a version of himself as a respected English gentleman, and he refused to sell his books, instead keeping them hidden for safekeeping. During one encounter at a bookstore, Gilkey's presence left Bartlett feeling intimidated despite his past theft from her. After Bartlett published a book about their encounters, Gilkey reached out to congratulate her and even seemed to enjoy the publicity. Contrary to expectations, Gilkey did not shy away from the attention, indicating the depth of his attachment to his book collection and the persona it granted him.
Notorious figure in rare book world accused of fraud and forgery: Despite open warrants, Gilkey continues to elude authorities, leaving the rare book community cautious and skeptical
John Gilkey, a notorious figure in the rare book world, is accused of committing fraud and forgery, leading to numerous reports from victims and law enforcement. Despite open warrants against him, Gilkey continues to elude authorities and re-emerge in the community. Reports include instances of using stolen credit card numbers to make reservations and paying with bad checks. The alleged storage unit in Modesto, believed to house his stolen items, remains a mystery due to legal restrictions. The authenticity of information, such as a Yelp review from a supposed classmate, is questionable. Gilkey's actions result in a persistent issue for the community, with dealers and shopkeepers remaining cautious and skeptical. Despite the challenges, the community remains vigilant in their efforts to identify and apprehend Gilkey.
The Illusion of Wealth and Deception: The pursuit of an unattainable or illegal image can lead to negative outcomes, as seen in the case of John Gilkey who forged checks to present a wealthier self and ended up committing further crimes.
People often seek ways to present themselves as something they're not, even if it means breaking the law. John Gilkey, the subject of the "Criminal" podcast episode, attempted to pass himself off as a wealthy Rockefeller by forging checks. This illusion of wealth gave him a false sense of superiority and led him to commit further criminal acts. The idea of hiding a better, richer self from the world, no matter how unattainable it may be, can be a powerful motivator for some. Despite the consequences, Gilkey continued to deceive others until he was caught and arrested. This is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and the pursuit of an unrealistic or illegal image can lead to negative outcomes.
Amazon Prime: More Than Just Shopping: Amazon Prime provides shopping and entertainment benefits, including streaming media access, by visiting amazon.com/prime
Amazon Prime offers a wide range of benefits beyond just shopping, including access to streaming media. By visiting amazon.com/prime, you can sign up and start enjoying these perks. Additionally, for the latest coverage on various topics, head over to popsugar.com/juntos. This means that with Amazon Prime, you can not only shop for your favorite items but also stream movies, TV shows, and music, making it a comprehensive platform for your entertainment and shopping needs. This is a great value-add for those who frequently use Amazon and want to maximize their benefits.
