I WAS SCAMMED PLS B CAREFUL

[NH Rugerman]

I have passed on many a deal because the initial contact didn't pass the smell test... I usually will pass on any seller that demands or requests certified funds as I find that to be too much to the benefit of the seller and a sign of immediate distrust towards the buyer. (I did make my first EVER exception this week to purchase a gun off of a well respected forum member here, so like Ruger, I guess I can never say never!).

To me, when I offer to send a personal check with the caveat that the seller can hold "as long as he is comfortable or necessary to clear", then, that should be acceptable payment and most sellers will accept my check. I will NEVER wire money or deal with someone that is a newbie. I have seen a huge increase in scams on Armslist, to the point where I am just about done even looking at that site.

I am suspicious by nature, I would not have responded to his PM because of the use of simple, common names, i.e Tim/Ben and the lack of last names...no last name is a flag to me on the FIRST contact.

I have gotten some great buys off eBay because of NEW sellers not being established but that is usually small dollars and I am accepting the risk before I bid/buy.

Caveat Emptor, Baby!

Please let us know how this turns out for you....

 

[WAYNO]

... I usually will pass on any seller that demands or requests certified funds as I find that to be too much to the benefit of the seller and a sign of immediate distrust towards the buyer. (I did make my first EVER exception this week to purchase a gun off of a well respected forum member here, so like Ruger, I guess I can never say never!).


Caveat Emptor, Baby!

Please let us know how this turns out for you....

I guess I'm not alone on this. I edited out this portion of my earlier post in this thread.


And since trust is not always a two-way street, I seldom purchase anything that requires that I go to the Post Office or bank to get a verifiable form of payment. If the seller cannot return the trust that I'm extending to him, then I don't need the item. Our semi-rural post office is overwhelmed with business, and it's common to wait in line the better part of an hour to get to the counter to purchase a money order. Why is my time less valuable than the sellers time? Recently I've purchased multiple items on this forum. The sellers required a USPS MO or similar form of payment. I offered my check. The sellers accepted my terms, but while I was in town I got a cashiers check from the bank anyway. Even that transaction took more than a half hour. I will stick to my guns. When a seller requires PayPal, a USPS MO, or a bank-issued check, I will pass, or pay with a credit card if they are a business. WAYNO.

 

[Chance]

Here is the original PM:

Hi,

I can help you out with a lead. Please contact Timothy on [email protected] regarding your request. He is located in Loretto, Tennessee,38469 and the last time i talked to him, he had for sale. I purchased items from him in the past and they arrived in TOP condition. His cell # 423-453-3937.

Thanks
Ben

What stands out in this post is the CMPLETE LACK of reference to what he has for sale. This is a form/generic post and I make it a point to never respond to anything of this sort. Nothing to indicate he has a GP for sale. BEWARE and don't assume.

 

[gunsbam69]

... I usually will pass on any seller that demands or requests certified funds as I find that to be too much to the benefit of the seller and a sign of immediate distrust towards the buyer. (I did make my first EVER exception this week to purchase a gun off of a well respected forum member here, so like Ruger, I guess I can never say never!).


Caveat Emptor, Baby!

Please let us know how this turns out for you....

I guess I'm not alone on this. I edited out this portion of my earlier post in this thread.


And since trust is not a two-way street, I seldom purchase anything that requires that I go to the Post Office or bank to get a verifiable form of payment. If the seller cannot return the trust that I'm extending to him, then I don't need the item. Our semi-rural post office is overwhelmed with business, and it's common to wait in line the better part of an hour to get to the counter to purchase a money order. Why is my time less valuable than the sellers time? Just yesterday I purchased an item on this forum. The seller required a USPS MO or similar form of payment. I offered my check, take it or leave it. The buyer accepted my terms, as a one-time convenience to me, but while I was in town I got a cashiers check from the bank anyway. Even that transaction took more than a half hour. I will stick to my guns. When a seller requires PayPal, a USPS MO, or a bank-issued check, I will pass. WAYNO.

Along with trust, respect should also be a two way street. Sometimes, if someone says to a seller, "I understand personal checks are not listed as a payment option on this, but I'm in no hurry and am glad to give it time to clear if you're good with that," then the seller will be good with it. It may be that the seller just doesn't want to have to tell people they're going to have to wait that long. Sometimes the attitude a guy comes in with has a lot to do with the way the other guy deals. Anytime someone tells me they EXPECT me to take a form of payment I don't list as accepted, I tend to get a little stiff, even if it costs me that sale, and future sales. As a matter of fact, if I happened to be the seller in question, I'd be glad just to send payment back once received and write it off to experience personally.

 

[mat523]

I wonder if Arpuffs email address is the same as Tims ?

 

[G2]

This same scam is over on the Smith & Wesson forum.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum-office/426564-i-think-scammer-sending-pms-wtb-ads.html

This website has the phone # reported as Nigerian Scam.
http://mrnumber.com/1-423/complaints

Doesn't look good, THANKS for the heads up.

FWIW
As for what I will take for payment, you all have seen it,
Cash, Check, USPS M/O, Discreet PayPal, Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Saddles or IOU... :shock:

 

[bedrockfred]

Mat523- from all the feed back you are getting on this transaction, I hope your not soured by this. We all hope that karma will catch up to this sucker! The short time I've been a member here, I've had all fantastic interactions with all other members, don't give up on US!---bedrockfred

 

[ndcowboy]

This same scam is over on the Smith & Wesson forum.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum-office/426564-i-think-scammer-sending-pms-wtb-ads.html

This website has the phone # reported as Nigerian Scam.
http://mrnumber.com/1-423/complaints

Doesn't look good, THANKS for the heads up.

FWIW
As for what I will take for payment, you all have seen it,
Cash, Check, USPS M/O, Discreet PayPal, Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Saddles or IOU... :shock:

:lol: :lol: I traded a rifle for two saddles this past winter. Great minds must think alike!

 

[mat523]

I have contacted the local ATF branch here in chicago. Spoke with a field agent who was receptive to looking into the matter. Sent him all the info. We will see how this turns out.

 

[6gun]

I would never trust a seller with low post count even if he is honest, he is unknown on the forum and hasn't built a trust with anyone.

I also wouldn't buy from someone that didn't give me a full address and phone number that I could look up and verify.

I remember a couple years back I was selling a Vaquero on Armslist and planed to sell local FTF a buyer from out of state contacted me and wanted to buy it, I agreed to send it to his FFL of choice had it all boxed up and ready to ship then he backs out cause he didn't trust me, just goes to show neither buyers or sells can always be trusted.

 

[mat523]

Also, I am not soured by the experience, just a bit wiser. Everyone I've dealt with on this forum has been excellent. I will not let one bad apple ruin the rest of the bunch. It just bothers me that I was so stupid. As they say burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me. With that being said if anyone has a 5 inch GP 100 for sale.....

 

[mbl]

There's a 4 1/4 match on the Cabela's site, but it ain't cheap

 

[gunsbam69]

I have contacted the local ATF branch here in chicago. Spoke with a field agent who was receptive to looking into the matter. Sent him all the info. We will see how this turns out.

I did the same thing initially. They then came back and told me they had no jurisdiction in these matters, and to contact local law enforcement from the area the scam originated from :roll:

 

[hittman]

On another forum I frequent, the administrator specifically warns people about this sort of thing. According to him, if you post WTB ads, you WILL eventually be contacted by a scammer. A request to wire money is an immediate red flag! He recommends asking the seller for a picture of the item, with YOUR email address written on a piece of paper prominently displayed. If the seller balks or makes excuses, run away! As for the poster who won't send money to PO boxes, how does he pay his bills? Most of mine go to PO boxes. That's also how I get my mail, because the USPS does NOT deliver to the house here.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=114059

Please be careful!

 

[mat523]

I contacted Loretto Tn PD. They are very finalist with this scam and are already investigating. Apparently I am not the only one.

 

[Ruger45]

I contacted Loretto Tn PD. They are very finalist with this scam and are already investigating. Apparently I am not the only one.

Doesn't make ya feel any better knowing the dirtbag took more people than you does it. :evil:
I know this because I have falling for a scam in the past cops took my info and said right out that nothing was going to come of it. :roll:

 

[Xsales]

I contacted Loretto Tn PD. They are very finalist with this scam and are already investigating. Apparently I am not the only one.

Doesn't make ya feel any better knowing the dirtbag took more people than you does it. :evil:
I know this because I have falling for a scam in the past cops took my info and said right out that nothing was going to come of it. :roll:

Never say never .......... Odd things happen, they MIGHT get involved being a small town:
8 years, I was scammed by a hacked/fraudulant PayPal account with a Sony laptop sale off eBay - Fedex was supposed to STOP the delivery (they didn't)
I contacted the Cumberland, Maryland Police Dept. (12,000 people)

I explained in detail the issue - They sent a cop over twice, got ahold of the person, found out he was an older gent who was being used by a 3rd party scammer & had gotten HUNDREDS of electronic items over 2 weeks time - They actually opened 30+ boxes & found my laptop (it was now IN their hands)

After 3 months (fully closed the investigation) they overnighted my laptop to me
Long wait, but THAT was fine Police Service

Rare event I had, but again, never say never ..........

 

[9x19]

I was scammed on a Wilson Combat 1911... but the seller had sent me a copy of their license and used their home address for payment.

I contacted their local PD and they contacted the seller... he claimed someone was using his name.... until the USPS provided copies of the cashed Money Orders, and the signature on his license matched the endorsement signature on the MOs.

Turns out he was a reserve deputy with the county sheriff at the time (but not anymore), and he made full restitution (including postage and MO fees) to avoid jail time.

 

[Bearcat]

Here is the original PM:

Hi,

I can help you out with a lead. Please contact Timothy on [email protected] regarding your request. He is located in Loretto, Tennessee,38469 and the last time i talked to him, he had for sale. I purchased items from him in the past and they arrived in TOP condition. His cell # 423-453-3937.

Thanks
Ben

Got the same note from a WTB posting that I put on another forum. Definitely a scammer.
Notify local police and federal agencies.....

 

[Coogs]

This dude must be busy, or there is a bunch of 'em. I got the same response on a WTB. Just the way it was worded sounded fishy to me, must come with old age, I never responded. Good luck to the OP, I hope ya stick it to 'em. Coogs.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

Im glad I have been an old time Member and have (I hope) good reputation. Have I had a deal go South, yes I have, normally it's all about that condition is not the same option, this some time's can not be avoided....I always make it right....and then there's never an issue....

Folks on here are the best....from all my many year's of being here....Scott

 

[OVERLOADDED]

My wife ordered some diet powder some years back, it did not arrive, so after waiting for a 2 week period, I found the sellers contact information, and called his home. Wife answered, said he not home, be home later, you call back. I told her either we receive the item ordered in 3 days or I would be calling Uncle Bill, who works for the INS and I would have him, his family, anyone else in his house deported within 48 hours.
He called me, within 5 minutes ask what the item was and promised to get it in the mail the same day.Item arrived 3 days later. Sometimes one just needs to push back. Overloadded

 

[blume357]

Where is there 'proof' that this scammer is in TN? Not sure how wiring money works but that is the only real link there is... and I think a crook can pick up that wired money just about anywhere.

If some of you folks have the time... you know there is a way to get back at this jerk wad a bit.... why don't we get together and post a couple of WTB's and get the response and waste his (or her) time... bog them down with promises of the money has been sent?

 

[Watchman]

I think it would be helpful to have a section in the classifieds where buyers and sellers rated their transactions with other forum members. Voluntary, of course.

For example, if you bought from a member and were pleased with the transaction, you would give that person a positive rating. If you were lied to, swindled, or it took far too long to get your item, you would give that seller a negative rating.
This "rating" could be tied to a forum member's profile, so that anyone thinking about buying from that member could see how many positive, and how many negative transaction ratings that member has received. If limited to positive or negative choices (so that nobody gets unfairly flamed) , a person could decide whether they wanted to go ahead with the purchase. In this way, the buyer has a certain level of confidence that they won't be ripped off. As has been stated, the risk is primarily on the buyer.

Once the buyer has their item in hand, they could choose to give a positive rating, a negative rating, or no rating.

Just my opinion, YMMV. :)

 

[Fox Mike]

Where is there 'proof' that this scammer is in TN? Not sure how wiring money works but that is the only real link there is... and I think a crook can pick up that wired money just about anywhere.

If some of you folks have the time... you know there is a way to get back at this jerk wad a bit.... why don't we get together and post a couple of WTB's and get the response and waste his (or her) time... bog them down with promises of the money has been sent?

Tell them you live nearby and would rather come by and pay for it and pick it up rather than send through the mail and see what the response would be.

 

[powder smoke]

Im glad I have been an old time Member and have (I hope) good reputation. Have I had a deal go South, yes I have, normally it's all about that condition is not the same option, this some time's can not be avoided....I always make it right....and then there's never an issue....

Folks on here are the best....from all my many year's of being here....Scott

x2 I have bought and sold some guns here never ever had a problem. Scammers are people who need chocking. ps

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

The crooks have absolutely infiltrated the sporting sites, camper sites, and even Gunbroker to some extent.

I wish you the best

 

[Lonnie]

With the great expansion of online shopping I really don't understand why one of the big banks hasn't created some sort of secure transaction service. It wouldn't be all that hard to set up, and the banks would profit from collecting the interest on funds that they hold, or charge a small fee.

In short, if I was buying something, I would place the funds into the bank where they would be held until I receive my goods. Upon receipt confirmation the funds are then transferred to the seller. How hard could that be???

 

[Xsales]

With the great expansion of online shopping I really don't understand why one of the big banks hasn't created some sort of secure transaction service. It wouldn't be all that hard to set up, and the banks would profit from collecting the interest on funds that they hold, or charge a small fee.

In short, if I was buying something, I would place the funds into the bank where they would be held until I receive my goods. Upon receipt confirmation the funds are then transferred to the seller. How hard could that be???

Its called www.Escrow.com

Can put most anything in escrow and when both parties accept - everything xfers
Never needed them but I wonder if/how they want possession of the firearm

 

[9x19]

With the great expansion of online shopping I really don't understand why one of the big banks hasn't created some sort of secure transaction service. It wouldn't be all that hard to set up, and the banks would profit from collecting the interest on funds that they hold, or charge a small fee.

In short, if I was buying something, I would place the funds into the bank where they would be held until I receive my goods. Upon receipt confirmation the funds are then transferred to the seller. How hard could that be???

Its called http://www.Escrow.com

Can put most anything in escrow and when both parties accept - everything xfers
Never needed them but I wonder if/how they want possession of the firearm

Unless they are an FFL, they couldn't legally receive (even for overnight) any firearms from out of state.