Irvine cops arrest locals suspected of eBay scam

Two Costa Mesa men were arrested Thursday by Irvine police on suspicion of using stolen identities to defraud people who were selling Xboxes on eBay, police said.

The men were allegedly purchasing the Xboxes online and taking possession of them before the sellers realized that the money had not been deposited in an online account, said Irvine Police Lt. Mike Hamel.

After a month-long investigation by Irvine Police, Sean Pierce, 23, and Randy Spizer, 25, were arrested Thursday. They were booked at Costa Mesa city jail on suspicion of grand theft, identity theft and conspiracy, Hamel said.

Police believe the men used stolen identities to purchase Xboxes online; they allegedly deposited money in an online account but took possession of the Xbox before the money cleared, Hamel said.

Officials recommended that anyone selling something online wait four days after the funds are received before turning the purchased item over to the buyer, Hamel said.

Xboxes seel for about $400 each in stores, but are sold at higher prices on eBay, Hamel said. Police recovered 12 Xboxes from the Pierce and Spizer.

Police have identified three victims in Irvine and one victim in Costa Mesa, but it’s possible there are more, Hamel said.