PSA: Scammers Posing as Rokslide Sellers via Text Messages — Be Alert

[_MountainBum]

want to bring something to everyone’s attention that’s starting to become a problem here.

In the past three days, I’ve had two separate instances where people reached out to me asking about items they believed they had already purchased from me, either items that I had already sold or ones I never even discussed with them. In both cases, the buyers were contacted via text by someone posing as me.

The scammer told them things like:

“I got your number from your Rokslide profile.”

“We did a deal before and I still have your number.”

“I’m ready to ship — just send payment.”

The messages are well-written, not your typical broken-English scammer. These guys are sharp and adapting fast.

Here’s what concerns me:

How are they getting people’s phone numbers?

Are scammers combing through old listings, messages, or member profiles?

Is it from info people post in WTB/WTS threads or signatures?


Whatever the method, it is concerning and extremely convincing. One of them got scammed for 200 and we luckily stopped the other from being scammed out of 1,000.

 

[Gen273]

Wow, that's terrible! It is also frightening.

 

[CorbLand]

People post their phone numbers on the open internet. That is how they get your number. This is not new, it’s been a fairly common scam practice for a couple years now.

Seriously, treat your phone numbers like your dick. Don’t show it everyone and if you post it on the open web, it’s going to be there forever.

Thread 'Reduce the chance of getting scammed'

Feb 23, 2024

I have been hesitant to post anything like this for a couple reasons. 1. I am not the authority on this subject, but I have been around the block a time or two buying/selling for over 15 years on the internet. 2. Scammers read stuff like this and learn from it. But I have watched a lot of people get scammed here and quite a few are avoidable.

With that, here are some things that you can watch for

• If you post a WTB thread, you have to be on your game. These are scam magnets. Scammers search for these specifically and they magically have exactly what you are looking for.
• If they...

• CorbLand
• Replies: 44
• Forum: Rokslide Classifieds

• 

Everyone should do a search of their phone numbers to see if they have ever posted them.

 

[waspocrew]

Been happening for a while now. People post their numbers at some point, then when they post a WTB ad, they get contacted via text.

WTB ads are just inviting scams.

 

[HandgunHTR]

This is why I started adding something like the following to all of my posts in the classifieds.

Note: I will not contact you by email or text without first sending you a PM with my contact information so that you can verify it is me and only in the event that you ask me to. If you are contacted by someone via text or email without receiving a PM from me, IT IS NOT ME. Feel free to mess with them however you see fit.

 

[cbat]

I went to work for a large real estate company and made the mistake of using my regular cell phone number. I get random calls and texts all the time now. I should have got a separate number just that. All the agents and there phone numbers are posted on the company website. Some of the texts are dirty pictures and others are pretty threating.

 

[philos]

It is sad and frustrating that you have to watch such things, but it is true. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us mods if you get approached like this. If the sale started on the website, try to keep it there so you’re dealing with the right person.

 

[sreg8]

Beware of Pulv!!
This account is being used to contact people with WTB ads and is trying to scam them into sending money only through Apple Pay or Zelle (because there is no way to get your money refunded once sent).
The phone numbers that he gave are 972-454-0193 and 813-716-3848 and he said his name was Randy Freedman.
A quick Google search of his phone number popped up that he had previously scammed another Rokslide member using this same number but a couple different Rokslide accounts.
Get this lowlife bum out of here!!

 

[Orionn]

I’ve learned a lot from this post, thank you to everyone who shared their experiences. Honestly, sometimes I wish there were a way to deal with these so-called “scammers” more directly. They’re like a virus that needs to be wiped out completely. I’m new to the site, but I’m grateful for the heads-up and the wisdom shared here.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Had this happen to me a few months ago. I sent a user a message with my phone number and within 30 minutes, I had 3 text messages, none of which was the actual user. Luckily I caught a weird vibe and sent the user another message and he confirmed my suspicion. Very strange

 

[Gen273]

Had this happen to me a few months ago. I sent a user a message with my phone number and within 30 minutes, I had 3 text messages, none of which was the actual user. Luckily I caught a weird vibe and sent the user another message and he confirmed my suspicion. Very strange

How are they getting the information from Direct Messages? I am now fearful to give my number out in DMs.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

How are they getting the information from Direct Messages? I am now fearful to give my number out in DMs.

Really wish I knew

 

[CorbLand]

Really wish I knew

Search the word text and your username. They didn’t get it from a PM. You have posted it twice.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Search the word text and your username. They didn’t get it from a PM. You have posted it twice.

Interesting. Ill get that taken care of. Must have been weird timing for it

 

[CorbLand]

Interesting. Ill get that taken care of. Must have been weird timing for it

I can take a guess on exactly what happened.

This all took place around July 5, regarding a backpack? Or was it regarding a bow?

You posted your phone number. Scammers take that information, wait for you to post something like messaged sent, pm, etc. They then text you impersonating the person that you said you were going to contact.

Dont post your number on the open internet and do not post saying you are going to PM anyone.

What I dont know is if they will keep your number logged and be able to continue to do so after you remove it from your posts now that they have it. I would be very weary of anyone texting you from here on out.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

I can take a guess on exactly what happened.

This all took place around July 5, regarding a backpack? Or was it regarding a bow?

You posted your phone number. Scammers take that information, wait for you to post something like messaged sent, pm, etc. They then text you impersonating the person that you said you were going to contact.

Dont post your number on the open internet and do not post saying you are going to PM anyone.

What I dont know is if they will keep your number logged and be able to continue to do so after you remove it from your posts now that they have it. I would be very weary of anyone texting you from here on out.

Noted