I’m done with WTB ads

[coloradoan]

I’ve known for a few years that WTB ads are magnets for scammers, but I always was confident that I could spot the scammers and protect myself. The problem is that the scammers are getting better. I recently had a close call. I’m not sure how, but the photos he reused weren’t showing up in the reverse google search I ran. The paper with name and date in the photo was photoshopped really well. The language he used at first raised no red flags (no “kindly” stuff).

Only after several messages did the language start to sound a little suspicious. The biggest red flag was that his area code didn’t match up to his location, although even that doesn’t necessarily mean scammer.

I eventually searched google images for pics of the pack I was looking for with the word “classifieds.” Sure enough, there were the photos the scammer used.

We never got to the point of discussing payment. I probably would’ve insisted on PayPal goods and services, and I don’t know how he would’ve responded. If a few things had been different, I probably wouldn’t have done the extra searching online, and I probably could’ve been convinced not to use the goods and services option.

So from this point on, I think it’s too much of a risk. Scammers are only going to get better.

Oh, and I should point out I reported the scammer and his account appears to have been deleted.

 

[Davidson51]

Close call. My wife recently got scammed out of $40 on Offerup. Guy said and did all the right things to seem legit, then disappeared. She paid through Zelle, not through the app. We filed a claim thinking there was zero chance of recovery then 2 months later we got the $40 back. Very lucky in my opinion. But scammers seem to be getting smarter.

 

[accountantsanonymous]

I’ve started to pick up on them pretty quickly, and I just try to waste as much of their time as possible. Whatever slows them down from getting into the next person.

The number one identifier is the rejection of payment of Goods and Services. And usually the email address provided for payment is kinda funky.

 

[Weldor]

Yeap, kind of like [email protected].

 

[Pharmseller]

Please to accept apology appearance scammer thusly. Please to send cash and immediately I reciprocated with item.

Best wishes

 

[gbflyer]

I’ve had excellent experience here with WTB’s.

 

[TNHighlands]

I've gotten to the point where I won't buy anything online via classifieds if I haven't facetimed with the seller. Especially for big ticket items, if they aren't willing to do that, they aren't serious at minimum. At worst, they're scammers.

Least you can do to protect yourself.

 

[MuleyFever]

If they haven't been on here for years, and very active, I wont buy from them without using G&S.

 

[Elcy]

I’ve had excellent experience here with WTB’s.

Thats exactly what a scammer would say to try and lure in some new WTB ad business.

HA!! Not this time Scammy McScammerface,