Poll: Fighting Scams with Crumpled Timestamps and Expiring Codes

[ozmanbucks]

Scammers are getting smarter by using hacked accounts, old feedback, and fake AI timestamps. To fight this, I think we should make it a rule to include mandatory timestamps on all classifieds listings. If we make it so the timestamp has to look physically altered or crumpled, it’ll help stop AI-generated fakes. This should definitely be up for a community vote. I’m part of a watch forum that does this, and since they started requiring crumpled timestamp notes, scams have almost disappeared. Another idea is to include a unique code with each listing that expires in just a few minutes (like 3 minutes). The code would have to be written on the timestamp paper. This would make it super hard for scammers to take hours creating fake listings that look real.

 

[Billy Goat]

What?

Sounds like this redneck is just gonna miss out on the classifieds then, and that's ok.

 

[Chris in TN]

Just don't buy anything from anyone that isn't an active regular poster with feedback, don't buy anything that sounds too cheap to be true, and don't buy anything that was just posted five minutes ago even if - especially if - it seems like some smoking deal that will get past you. Wait and see a guy bump his post a time or two and be sure he's posting as his usual self in the meantime between first and last posts.

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm not real big on forced regulation.

 

[Speaks]

I'm not real big on forced regulation.

I know right......

Its not like this is hard. If buying something I look at their posting history and get a sense of legit or not. If I am in doubt talk to them or use a service with protection like pay pall goods and services.

 

[sndmn11]

I thought we were just doing feet pics

 

[Wrench]

Here's what I do on larger purchases.

I speak to the seller on the phone. I ask them to call me when they have the item. I inquire about their location... in the house, shop... etc. If they tell me they're in their home, I ask them to text me a unique picture that I describe while I am on the phone.

For example, seller is home. I ask for a picture with the item on a plate with a rolled up towel or wash cloth and a car key on the plate.

I choose a scenario that will not be able to be ai'd quickly while I'm on the phone.

I've had some guys ask if I'm serious but everyone has been compliant so far and I have never been burned. Had some slow movers due to life situations....but that's life and they aren't scammers, just in a tough situation to get shipped.

 

[Coopsdaddy]

If a seller isn’t willing to do something I ask that’s reasonable like above or face time me or send me there number than im out.
I wish there was an app that let us blow there fingers off while there typing on the keyboard!

 

[JRay]

I'm not real big on forced regulation.

We’re already regulated here. A security layer to help ensure we don’t get scammed seems reasonable. It could always be rescinded if it’s not helping.

But like others have said; be cautious, insist on a conversation or FaceTime and don’t get sucked in by a too good to be true deal.

 

[CRJR45]

Scammers are getting smarter by using hacked accounts, old feedback, and fake AI timestamps. To fight this, I think we should make it a rule to include mandatory timestamps on all classifieds listings. If we make it so the timestamp has to look physically altered or crumpled, it’ll help stop AI-generated fakes. This should definitely be up for a community vote. I’m part of a watch forum that does this, and since they started requiring crumpled timestamp notes, scams have almost disappeared. Another idea is to include a unique code with each listing that expires in just a few minutes (like 3 minutes). The code would have to be written on the timestamp paper. This would make it super hard for scammers to take hours creating fake listings that look real.

F... That ! How about the people who get scammed learn their lesson and move on ?
Scammers have been around for ever , it's not something new .
When almost every person thats gotten scammed relates their transaction there were RED FLAGS everywhere , yet they still tried to get a "DEAL" ?
Buyer beware , you can't make a rule that the hackers cannot hack around .
People need to take responsibility for their own actions , they took a chance and got screwed , simple stiff .

 

[ShakoMako]

FWIW I stumbled on Guntab escrow when I sold a few pistols on Gunbroker and used it on another forum when selling a high dollar item. For a nominal fee provides a measure of security for both seller and buyer. I’m comfortable with a FaceTime call, G&S payments and perhaps some sort of escrow- crumpled up paper will only be effective until next week’s AI learning cycle improves image generation forgery.