OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
Do you still think there is a chance that his not sending you anything or contacting you could be just a simple mistake on his part of some sort?
Member malfeasance
- Thread starter mykeal
- Start date
My amateur methods of fraud prevention.
1. To prove they actually HAVE the item, ask for a pic of the item with a common item included in the pic that's not usually photographed with the item, say a roll of toilet paper.
2. Ask if you can complete the transaction face to face and pay cash because you're coming up that way to see your sister and you can complete the sale in an FFL location and have it shipped to you even though you have no sister near there! :-)
A scammer may comply with #1 but #2 nah, they'll bail right there. I've done this a few times in Florida (it's a pretty big state) and scammers weasel out of it.
1. To prove they actually HAVE the item, ask for a pic of the item with a common item included in the pic that's not usually photographed with the item, say a roll of toilet paper.
2. Ask if you can complete the transaction face to face and pay cash because you're coming up that way to see your sister and you can complete the sale in an FFL location and have it shipped to you even though you have no sister near there! :-)
A scammer may comply with #1 but #2 nah, they'll bail right there. I've done this a few times in Florida (it's a pretty big state) and scammers weasel out of it.
For decades, Postal inspectors have leaned heavily toward investigating 'internal fraud' rather than what's typically considered 'mail fraud'. Possibly your local Postmaster can help you get some results with the Inspection Service or contact the Postmaster at the delivery address.
July 4, 1985 a couple of local 'punks' dropped some fireworks in a mail collection box in front of the Post Office where I was in charge. July 5, I contacted the Postal inspectors expecting a total blitz of investigators. The disappointing response: handle it yourself. GEEZ. OK, I did just that, involving the city PD and county Sheriff. I also did some investigating on my own and discovered an elderly man living in a boarding house a block away saw the vehicle. Sheriff, PD, and I put 2 & 2 together and identified the culprits but since they were under 18, no formal charges. Postal Inspectors still did NOTHING. :poop:
July 4, 1985 a couple of local 'punks' dropped some fireworks in a mail collection box in front of the Post Office where I was in charge. July 5, I contacted the Postal inspectors expecting a total blitz of investigators. The disappointing response: handle it yourself. GEEZ. OK, I did just that, involving the city PD and county Sheriff. I also did some investigating on my own and discovered an elderly man living in a boarding house a block away saw the vehicle. Sheriff, PD, and I put 2 & 2 together and identified the culprits but since they were under 18, no formal charges. Postal Inspectors still did NOTHING. :poop:
I'm hoping the person in question just got distracted or such and it will be resolved but with that said, do as others have suggested and report it.... and also like you said, let us know who it is at the end of the week. If it was me on the other end that had something happen that I did not fulfill the sale because of 'an event' I would not have a problem with you naming me... I would just explain what happened here and apologize, but it sounds like the person in question though technically a member is not really a member..... a couple of post a year or so ago is not really a member. Back when I was heavy into buying items here and on another forum if there was something offered that I was wanting the first thing I would do is go back and look at the member's post for a year or so.... takes little time but you can find out a lot about a person this way.
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
NOW, you get the idea, zero, zip, nada…
DBnoise
Single-Sixer
First thing I would have done is contact the local police. You do not have the means they do to determine what happened. There was a local gunsmith that ripped me off. Took a couple of reports when I finally got my rifle back. I personally am tired of con artists. In the end I wasted 500 bucks. I should have called the ATF and pursued damages.
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
So… the police helped you get your rifle back, but you were out $500?
Question; Is there an ATF form to submit when filing to “pursue damages” could you post a link to it? Or do you just call them?
DBnoise
Single-Sixer
He supposedly earlier last year went through an audit. I would suspect from his business being closed down during the audit they would know him. It is just at the same time I was having some health problems.
Pursuing damages would have been through small claims court. I had both my FFL dealer and Ammunition manufacturing and I followed the aw to the T. My paper was I'm doted and T's crossed. Nver in all my years have I had a run in with any firearms business. It used to be we prided this industry on honesty.
I am not aware of a specific form to report someone. To me part of ATF's job should be keeping them industry honest.
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41 posts and still the crook has not been named. FWIW, I would never send money to a stranger in expectations that he would then send me an item. Buying a gun at a LGS will likely cost me more than an internet or phone purchase, but it is a sure thing when I can hold the gun in my hand before putting my money on the counter.
black1970
Blackhawk
Kiss your money good by. Even if you could track the perp down it will cost more than what you were out on the gun to find and prosecute him. Remember the old saying, let the buyer beware. Sorry for your loss but these days there are just too many easy ways to scam people and the scammers know it. I guess I have been lucky. Bought several guns on gun sites with no problem but I am now getting somewhat nervous about doing so again. Not to mention theft among freight handlers. They seem to know what is in those boxes if you get my drift.
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DBnoise
Single-Sixer
One thing happened to me was primers I ordered. They said delivered and suppose to have signature. I looked at the signature and wasn't me. My porch is only 50 ft from the street. I found them in the mail box. That was 5k of 7 1/2s I bought. The next time the driver delivered I told him what coukd have happened to him IF those got in the wrong hands and a crime was committed he would be responsible. Never had that happen again.
Another time I ordered 2k of Wonchester primers and said they were delivered. I did put them in my inventory. A couple weeks later I did an inventory by orders. I was short 2k 6 1/2s. I was tracking them down ordered from Brownells. I caught the mistake. I have never "labeled Winchester SRP 6 1/2s" A 6 1/2 primer to me was a Remington 6 1/2. I was sick trying to figure out WHERE I put them. I tore my gun room apart until I figured out the new labeling that Brownells did. I thought I wa in early stages of dementia or something! Cussing myself out for being stupid because I am so systematic in my inventory. So the joke was on me. Lol
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
And what? Track him down and what?
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
“To me” In the real world, they pretty totally wouldn’t give the first damn about what happened to your single gun, LOL! Truth told, I seriously doubt they would even be polite and feign concern over the phone, they’d probably openly laugh at you…
Why do all you guys suddenly imagine every enforcement or regulatory branch of the federal government (which has honestly and demonstrably been robbing every citizen in the country themselves), why, if they won’t investigate murders, rapes or even keep our BORDERS secure, why would they look into this for you? Seriously, wake up, THEY DO NOT CARE!
After reading all of the comments here, it really doesn't matter what the user name of the person is. If he only has a handful of posts from months ago, it doesn't sound like anyone would do business with this user.
Plus, if he/she contacted the OP via PM and not a post on the WTB thread, they probably don't intend to be back here as a user.
In addition, it seems like most of the scams that get reported on this forum happen on a WTB post. Is there something about a WTB that attracts more scammers????
Plus, if he/she contacted the OP via PM and not a post on the WTB thread, they probably don't intend to be back here as a user.
In addition, it seems like most of the scams that get reported on this forum happen on a WTB post. Is there something about a WTB that attracts more scammers????
I looked at the map, Ada, Ohio is a fairly small (pop. 5300 and home to Ohio Northern University). A lot of times these smaller towns with their own police forces are pretty good about knowing and taking care of their town. I would call the Ada police, nicely explain what is going on and see what they say. Give them the info and ask if they could maybe stop by and make sure the person is ok as you should have heard from him. You may not need to level any accusations yet, but tell them you're concerned. They very well might send a car out to do a "wellness" check and then depending on what they find go from there.
Yes, there are those that say the police, government, etc., etc. isn't worried about us little people and will brush you off, but you would be surprised on how many police departments, especially in smaller toens, will actually help people out in situations like this. Yes, you can call me naive, and I'll listen to your explanation, but I've seen this happen many times in the past that the police went out of their way to help, and not brush off the person asking.
Kevin, a WTB ad, anywhere, to scammers is like bear going after honey, or a toddler doing anything/everything to get one of mom's fresh baked cookies :) The scammers see a person who WANTS something (and thusly has money) and they will do whatever it takes to part the money from the buyer. There are lots of little things to look for and to do when a person answers a WTB ad to determine if it is a scam or not.
Yes, there are those that say the police, government, etc., etc. isn't worried about us little people and will brush you off, but you would be surprised on how many police departments, especially in smaller toens, will actually help people out in situations like this. Yes, you can call me naive, and I'll listen to your explanation, but I've seen this happen many times in the past that the police went out of their way to help, and not brush off the person asking.
Kevin, a WTB ad, anywhere, to scammers is like bear going after honey, or a toddler doing anything/everything to get one of mom's fresh baked cookies :) The scammers see a person who WANTS something (and thusly has money) and they will do whatever it takes to part the money from the buyer. There are lots of little things to look for and to do when a person answers a WTB ad to determine if it is a scam or not.
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I think a WTB may qualify the buyer and target the buyer. All a scammer needs is pix and he has a buyer?
I feel that after 49 posts (mine being 50) that a name should have appeared. If this person is OK then that is great but if a scam artist we should know.
Yes, the fact that they want to buy something. For the same reason that, for the most part, a WTS is not going to ship out the gun until they receive funds, a WTB is expecting to send money before receipt.
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
Okay, so, let me please be sure I got this right; you’re saying, if he had created a forum username and contacted a member irt a WTB ad, it wouldn’t be important to know his username or frankly, any piece of his PII in order to protect ourselves?
How do you feel about DOGE?
Yup it makes it easy for them.......they already know what the victim wants and perpetually present it to them......WTB ads are prime hunting grounds for crooks....they will prey on the weakest minds that don't challenge them adequately enough to expose them.
Paul B
Hunter
My experience with postal inspectors would be more like a dirty joke.
Guy advertised 35 caliber TSX bullets for a good price. Turns out the money order is sent to his wife as he sits in prison for a log time. When I chased him down, then notified the postal inspector that the prep was operating from San Quentin, nothing ever got done. AFAIK, he's still running his scam from the joint.
One day there was a knock on my door and it was a postal inspector. He asked if I'd bought some bullets and had them delivered by mail? I said I did but they never arrived. Said I thought I'd been scammed. He pulls out a bag full of 200 gr. Nosler Partitions that I bought from someone and never got, had me count them to insure all was there and gave me a lecture, butt chewing was more like it, about sending ammo in the mail. I looked at him and said, "I know the difference between bullets and loaded ammo. Do you?" What happened is the package the bullets were mailed in burst on the conveyor belt and some blissninny postal worker freaked out and called the postal inspectors. You can have your stuff stolen by postal workers and it's tango sierra but send a forbidden object then they'll be all over your butt like ants after honey.
Paul B.
Guy advertised 35 caliber TSX bullets for a good price. Turns out the money order is sent to his wife as he sits in prison for a log time. When I chased him down, then notified the postal inspector that the prep was operating from San Quentin, nothing ever got done. AFAIK, he's still running his scam from the joint.
One day there was a knock on my door and it was a postal inspector. He asked if I'd bought some bullets and had them delivered by mail? I said I did but they never arrived. Said I thought I'd been scammed. He pulls out a bag full of 200 gr. Nosler Partitions that I bought from someone and never got, had me count them to insure all was there and gave me a lecture, butt chewing was more like it, about sending ammo in the mail. I looked at him and said, "I know the difference between bullets and loaded ammo. Do you?" What happened is the package the bullets were mailed in burst on the conveyor belt and some blissninny postal worker freaked out and called the postal inspectors. You can have your stuff stolen by postal workers and it's tango sierra but send a forbidden object then they'll be all over your butt like ants after honey.
Paul B.
well just who is it?? and we'll send a posse from over in western OHio to track the perp down, seems there are a few people here who have LOTS of time on their hands,give them something useful to do.......:cautious::rolleyes:
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
I told you at post #6 that he won't do it, I was just snide about it. Here, let me be clearer, the guy that got himself ripped off by being too gullible, is also too afraid to out the guy that ripped him off so that other members of the forum won't be taken in by the same crooked guy. But he WOULD appreciate our advice and sympathy. That's the plain and simple truth. And it's ALWAYS this way, I can't figure out why? Cucks...
As mentioned WTB has a far higher rate of problems. You show a desire, usually for something unique. In your excitement to actually find one you don't look at the deal or object real hard. Your emotions take over. Bingo Bango you're in too deep.
I have quit answering most WTB posts. In two specific incidents I sent pictures, noted damage, blemishes with close ups. Told the buyer(s) to look close and be sure as it is not pristine. "Oh, no it's perfect! I'll take it" Only to get follow up hate mail because their high school sweetheart got ugly. AT that point they are so mad there is nothing you do to make them happy.
I have quit answering most WTB posts. In two specific incidents I sent pictures, noted damage, blemishes with close ups. Told the buyer(s) to look close and be sure as it is not pristine. "Oh, no it's perfect! I'll take it" Only to get follow up hate mail because their high school sweetheart got ugly. AT that point they are so mad there is nothing you do to make them happy.
OP
The address he gave was in Ada, OH.
OP
The scammer used the Forum name HBWL.
OMCHamlin
Blackhawk
It happened…. !
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He was online today at 5:55 am EST.
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