Modern Vespa

So I will try to keep this emotionless and straight to the facts.

The other day a few of us in SoCal received an anonymous tip giving us some "facts" about Peter Ramstine. According to these tips, Peter has made a career out of creating these trips out of false pretenses, getting funding, and traveling on other people's dimes. Some research was done, and there were too many weird coincidences. For instance, on his walking journey of the US in 2002, mysteriously he was mugged from behind in Albuquergque. The exact same thing happened in the exact same city this year.

So sponsorship of the trip has been pulled, and Peter is no longer riding on a Vespa. I wish I could say with more certainty that this is all true, but I can't.

I won't say anything bad about this guy at this stage since I don't have any actual proof, but I will say this: the Anonymous Tipster has started a myspace account with all of this information. Please read it and I am sure that you will come to the same conclusions that we did. Please do not donate anymore money or let him crash at your place.

Fortunately, I doubt we will ever hear from him again!

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=383900843

That really is a shocker. There are so many people out there like this. I hope Karma prevails!

Last edited by Ifixjets on Tue May 27, 2008 2:19 am; edited 1 time in total

It really is very sad that we believed him and supported him.

I just realized that Anonymous sent out messages to people on myspace, but hasn't blogged it yet. Here was her PM.


To whom it may concern

I write this out of concern after recently becoming aware of Vespadition. My only motives are to prevent further hurt.

Peter Ramstine (Vespadition) is absolutely not who you think he is.
In short, he is a conman.

Peter started ‘Path To Zen’ and ‘Natural Cause’ before this. Both exactly the same as ‘Vespadition.’ Same premise etc. During these though he claimed to have walked around America. We later found out that various people had paid for flights all across America and given him money totalling thousands of dollars (not to mention cell phones, computers etc) to support his ‘good cause’. One paid for flights around the world for him, thinking he was terminally ill. This, in reality, is the travelling around the world he talked of – but there was no ‘cheffing’…just conning and stealing. During ‘Path To Zen’ etc many ‘bad luck’ sort of things happened to him. Just like they supposedly are now. Back then he said he had been mugged by being ‘sideswiped’, had had his phone/credit card/laptop stolen. The list really goes go on and on and on and on.

Below are some links to archived websites -

This is a link to Peter's journal from 'Path To Zen' in 03/04 (some of the links still work to read the stories - particularly the ones towards the bottom of the page) - No problem 'face value' but his supporters would tell a different story. There are also a lot of similarities concerning the 'bad things' that happened along the way. (that there were never any witness' for) Additionally - you have to ask yourself why he hasn't talked about it before?
click here

This one gives an idea of 'why' he was walking - note the similarities
click here

This is the archived website the group of women made about him with our testimonials back in '03
http://web.archive.org/web/20040327000711/http://peterramstine.com/
click here (one of many - hit the links)

More links soliciting help -
http://www.happyhippie.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000046.html
http://www.happyhippie.com/ubb/Forum5/HTML/000131.html

Here are links from most recent 'Path' Last year - right before he started this:
click here
http://www.travbuddy.com/hermitouszen/blogs
click here

This a link to 'voyage of hope' where he was removed after the captain found out about peter (not from me)
click here

Peter preys on vulnerable and compassionate people to help him service is life of lies and somehow gets a kick out of being so adored. If you think about it, truly compassionate people, particularly Buddhists, are unassuming. Peter is anything but. I am sending this because I do not want anyone to be hurt, abused, or conned the way that we were. There were many of us. I urge you to withdraw your sponsorship, financing, and support of any kind, as you are sponsoring someone who is responsible for so much pain and dishonesty. He is the antithesis of who he claims to be. I genuinely believe Peter is sick, perhaps sociopathic.

Peter is not a genuine person and is someone who could not be further from the ethos of 'Buddhism' or 'kindness'. Everything that Peter says and does is for no purpose other than to satisfy his own needs and desires. He is a HUGE womanizer and is registered on multiple S&M websites seeking 'encounters' as he travels, an example of his desire for self-satisfaction. Peter will inevitably be sleeping with many women as he travels. I would also question his 'doing' over talking. How many places has he actually volunteered during the trip? Where are the photo's? This is history repeating and people get hurt. I really harbor no ill will or any 'revenge' towards Peter. I was desperate for him to have changed. But the truth is, he hasn't - in fact it's worse - the scam is on a bigger scale. Peter needs help. He really, really does. But not from people like you: from a medical or criminal professional. He is incredibly skilful and I imagine that several people will not believe me. All I can do is warn others as best I can and hope that they believe me, for their own sakes


-Anon
(I do not wish Peter to know my identity, as I am genuinely fearful of reprisals.)

Man,

What can I say. I won't tell you how much I donated but...Man! Nobody gave as much as David of Vespa TO and Colin Reverend Bastard. Time, money, (A FREEKIN SCOOTER!) with no strings attached and of course emotional support.

I am familiar with the information and I must say to end this was not only the right thing to do but it must have been a hard couple of days sorting, and confirming the info for Big D at Vespa TO.

For a guy who jumps into his van to donate a new scoot to a terminally ill young girl then includes her family in so many activities.

For guy who has helped all our friends and fellow scooterists out at one time or another.

And for a dealer better known as family to all. This is a huge blow to him and his family.

We feel your pain David, and don't let this guy change who you are.

Kevin
Crazy B

Amazing!

Well, I was certainly fooled and apologize
most sincerely
for urging people to contribute!

OMG, who would have ever known.

So many scooterist go behind him. fed him, gave him money and even opened their homes to him. We were so behind him, heck what a good showing of kindness. But I think we had the wool pulled down over our eyes and our wallets and hope taken.

This may sound crass, but I don't give money to people who do stuff like this. If someone wants to travel around America on a scooter, they should work to raise money to pay for it themselves. Even if they want to promote "volunteerism," what's wrong with working hard to make their own money for the cause?

I'm a little suspect when someone is living off the generosity of others for their own benefit. People who raise money for a valid charitable organization are in a completely different category. Those things I will support cheerfully.

According to his site, he is supposed to be in Charleston today, heading towards Louisville tonight. Whether he is or isn't, well ...

I am so sad to hear this. I, too, received the anon myspace posting and was hoping it was not true.

I feel bad for the dealers who gave him free service and such, like the people here in St Louis. They opened their doors to him at my behest. Normally skeptical me fell for his website of good stories.

Are there reporters who can find out the truth?

Exactly...

Although completely different circumstances, I supported the Josh Rogers relief effort because,

1) I'd met him in person and had been on rides with him before,
2) Even if I hadn't, his dedication to the scooter community through Scoot! Magazine and VCLG are undeniable, and
3) The pictures & witnesses to his situation created a volume of supporting "evidence" to any potential doubter of its reality.

This other guy didn't seem to have any of the above before starting this. The only thing missing thusfar was the ol',

"But wait, there's more! Call in the next 10 minutes and we'll DOUBLE your order!"

Did they take back his Vespa yet?

That would be cool...
They could take out the working parts and clear-coat the outside with all those signatures of goodwill on it
And then plant it somewhere as a monument to our big-hearted community
(somewhere not too close
to those who will always have feelings of loss about this whole affair)

PS after looking at the posts that have developed since I started writing this:
I don't think it's fair to condemn all the charitable scooter riders based on this

Most of them are locally-based and sincere in their efforts

He's done.

Sounds like this guys is working a different group each time for his journeys? Walkers, scooters, hippies.... Whats next? Mopeds, motorcycles, bikes?

I have spoke to David this morning from Thousand Oaks Vespa and he is torn up over this nightmare. We think he has gone back towards Philly and his scooter is in a garage in West Virginia. What a nightmare and a wake up call for all of us. I tend to agree with Les Smith on issues like this and do not give unless I know the person personally with some history. Hang in there David and it might be cheaper to report the bike stolen now because I doubt you will ever see it again.

I feel really bad for David, and all those who gave unselfishly. The best thing that could happen would be for him to be turned in and prosecuted, so he is less likely to do it again (hopefully.)

Well, this is a fine mess.

As for reporting the scooter as stolen, or turning Peter in for prosecution, I wouldn't think there would be much hope there. All of the people who gave (including myself) did so of their own free will. He really did ride the scooter around the country, if I hear correctly, and didn't actually take anything against anyone's will.

I'm not defending Peter, but where's the crime?

This sucks.
I don't feel bad for giving. I'd feel bad if I learned to never trust others and I'm not going to let one asshole change that.

Peter go F yourself.

Hey Len,

As far as donating I think I will take your advise in the future. As a side note thanks for your very generous donation to Linda's ride for The Cure. You are right, when money goes to a charity it really will do some good like the Wine Ride and the fund raisers for Josh.

I doubt I will support another riders, ride, unless there is some direct donation associated with it.

As far as Peter doing this again, I doubt he will be able to without changing his name. I ran a background check on him after the fact and got nothing. People didn't post the bad or make it clear what kind of guy he was.

With the publicity this story has brought, he will be closely monitored. I don't wish him ill will, but think he may need some help.

But if he ever tries this again, he will need some real help, because I'm sure I will find him.

You make a very good point. Disturbing, but a good point nonetheless.

Wow - what a shock. I didn't support this guy because our charitable donations go to more traditional venues for specific causes. I can't say I was suspicious at all, and I did feel guilty about being tightfisted every time there was a call out to help him. My sympathy goes to all our members who were stung by this guy; people like "Matua" are as good at their job - conning people and taking advantage of compassion - as we are at ours.

Would this be considered fraud?

I think the crime would be Fraud, taking money from people for a Charitable Cause and not using the funds for the intended purpose would constitute Fraud.

Last edited by Ifixjets on Tue May 27, 2008 2:21 am; edited 1 time in total

It's a good question, and honestly I don't know. IANAL, and I don't know what David's agreement regarding the GTS was or if Peter had any obligations to fulfill. Did David actually transfer ownership of it, or merely lend it to him? Was there a contract? Could he be said to have reneged on that contract?

As for the money each of us gave him, there was no contract. There might have been false pretenses involved (the alleged mugging) but I doubt we could prove that.

The plug was pulled because he was not what he pretended to be and peoples safety was at stake.

I think it is more of a character, or lack of, kind of thing. The best is for him to just go away and know we are watching him.


We can protect others and just move on from here. Lets get back to scootering and knowing 99.9% of the people we meet are the real deal.

Could perhaps charge him if you could prove he filed a false police report
to spur contributions

From the Vespadition blog:(Edit: Sorry, did not mean to prolong this discussion
No point wasting too much airspace on this aggravating matter

And, I'm sure a lot of us are really fried about it!)

I am so sorry to hear about this! That kind of thing is enough to really make you question what people are about. I am especially sorry about those of us on this board that donated money, a SCOOTER, a place to stay, etc out of the goodness of their hearts. What a con man.

I wish there was a way to hear from Peter. Is there anyone how has spoke to him recently? Do we have any idea how much money we are talking about? I am sure there were outside transactions via Paypal that would make it harder to track.

Darn...I donated too. Oh well.

Looking at the Vespedition website now, with fresh eyes, it does seem to be "all about Peter" and not about the purported charitable acts.

The incident does tell me I need to spend more time personally evaluating where I send money rather than acting at the encouragement of others. That is not at all a complaint about the postings on MV that prompted me to donate because everybody was hoodwinked. But as I was somewhat "involved" in an individual's cross-country trip in the past (it was a walking trip, and I donated hours and hours of time behind the scenes) and the comparison of how that effort unfolded and how this one was playing out would surely have given me pause had I looked more closely.

You live, you learn. You say "won't get fooled again" but if you have a warm heart you often do. There are lots of good people here on MV and out in the world, and unfortunately con men and swindlers target warm-hearted, good people. Now we know this individual's track record so no more money and community effort is expended. And we all move on.

Here is a number someone can call about a Santa Fe NM police report

1. Where do I get a copy of a police report?
You can come to the Police Department or to our Records Department to obtain a copy of a police report. For more information, you may call (505) 955-5751.

Amazing.
Perhaps the signed scooter can be auctioned off to a real charity

Hi Everyone,

I just signed up as a member so I can post to this thread. I'm not a Vespa rider, I'm hooked on the China stuff so I have always just lurked around in here, but I have to make a post today.

Peter came through New Orleans last month and I have to say, he was very convincing! Everyone here in our local group welcomed him and donated time and money, I even gave him a laptop to replace the one that was supposedly stolen in AZ!

For those of you who want to leave him a nasty message, his number is 484-560-7784... I don't know, it made me feel better!

Anyway, at least it's the last time I'll be fooled!


-Rich

+1 on that, Jess.

I got the opportunity to hang out w/ Peter last weekend. I'm on of the "whole list of others" in his May 21 post. I can vouch for the accuracy of everything he posted about the KC rally (i was there, he really did get hit by an SUV) and about everything he posted about the tornadoes (i've seen the pictures in his camera) and everything he's posted about things that happened in St. Louis. (once again, I was there). As far as I can tell, everything he's told in his blog, and everything he's told me about his life are accurate. I got to hear stories about his childhood, his Vespa GS back home, New Zealand, etc. Everything he said showed knowledge of the subject matter and sincerity. Spending hours cramped 4 deep in a U-Haul truck cabin and a night drinking around the campfire, you usually get to know a little about a person.

I can also vouch for the claims of womanizing and seeming lack of volunteerism, however.

I don't know about how sick he is, but I'd vouch for him as a sincere and pretty-much-honest person, albeit with questionable morals. Do I feel betrayed? Yeah. I still wish him good times and to keep the rubber side down, tho.

This is so sad. Please don't let it discourage us from helping people.

When I rode coast to coast in 2006 to support Canine Partners for Life, which trains service dogs, I had people make checks out directly to the charity. Please pay attention to details like this when people ask you to donate.

Do we know who the myspace.com person is? What are the motives of the person behind anon?

I, too, saw the pics of the tornadoes and damage caused by them. He told the same story to me and a news reporter (at different times) verbatim, so if he was pulling the wool, then he's good.

Are there facts known but not posted online for legal reasons? I hope Vespa TO would not back out based solely on an anonymous Internet posting.

I do feel betrayed, heck I ate breakfast with him and even shed some tears over his leaving.

I took a couple of vacation days off to make sure he got around St Louis OK

Well I just have to disagree, sorry!

He duped good people out of a lot of money. I just filed a dispute with PayPal, sent him an email demanding a refund and return of the laptop and I am going to see what charges can be filed where. I also contacted ChipIn support and told them about this fiasco, so hopefully they'll cut off his funds.

I am still supporting Alix on her Peace Scooter ride though...


-Rich

Yeah, I met Alix on her Peace Scooter ride and she is the real deal. I have no regrets about chipping in a few bucks. All of us long distance riders are a little bizarre, right

Hell hath no fury...

Most folks like him do end up getting what they deserve. It often comes with no fanfare or regalia of good triumphing over evil. But I trust that it will happen and that peoples generosity will continue to flourish in the face of such challenges.