WTB SCAM - Bino Purchase

[Woodrow]

I Posted a WTB add on here for "Used High-end Bino's"-
Was contacted by an individual on here- Said he had like new 10x42 SLC's and sent me pictures We agreed on a price of $1,000.......I Cash App him half the money $500 and i would pay the balance upon shipping receipt.......... crickets. The number he was texting me from is no no longer in service.

Soo frustrating - How else do you buy something used and trust your not get taken?

 

[AustinR]

That's rough, sorry your dealing with that. You could always pay with PayPal goods and service in the future, it would be 3.5% more. But your covered as the buyer

 

[7mmag]

I always use a CC even when using PP nothing else. Sorry to hear lots of worthless POS

 

[chetraguse]

I had the same thing on here about 2 weeks ago I was looking for some NL 12x42's and this guy sent some pictures and a cheap price. I asked him to take some more pictures and he did but they didn't seem to match up. He sent me pictures of his drivers license and that looked fake. Then I asked him to take pictures of him holding the binos and then it was silence and he deleted his account on here. Makes a guy sick.

 

[Woodrow]

yeah the WTB - is just setting it up for the SCAM!

 

[HuntNTag]

It’s terrible that we have to deal with the scammers on a great forum like this. PayPal G&S seems to be the best friend for all of us to protect ourselves from the distrustful ones lurking in here.

Thanks for the heads up!


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[kthomas]

Unfortunately posting WTB ads is just inviting scammers.

Happens on every forum.

 

[atmat]

Sorry to hear you got scammed. To anyone reading this: using PayPal G&S and a video call is a sure fire way to PREVENT being scammed.

 

[WRO]

Unfortunately posting WTB ads is just inviting scammers.

Happens on every forum.

Yup, you have to be vigilant..

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[mi650]

yeah the WTB - is just setting it up for the SCAM!

I saw your WTB ad, and wondered if you were fishing for scammers.

MIght have had something to do with just having read 3 threads on the subject.

 

[Mike Islander]

I think it's crazy how many people get scammed. It takes just a few steps to reduce the risk to almost zero.

1. Set up a call and get seller's name.
2. Check that name and address match phone number, which is almost always available on the internet.

This at least gets you working with a known member instead of someone who hacked an account, cause it's very difficult to steal a phone number. You can add research and get listed emails, job (from LinkedIn), etc. Find their username on other forums. Find their activity in clubs, businesses, organizations, etc. You can find their photo, Facebook, and if still not sure you can do a video call with them holding the item. All this takes just a few minutes of search time.

 

[Woodrow]

good advice - Thanks

 

[elfeyes]

Did one member pm you saying another member has them for sale with a link to his email? That's literally been happening to me the last few days but luckily I didn't send him money.

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[WeiserBucks]

Did one member pm you saying another member has them for sale with a link to his email? That's literally been happening to me the last few days but luckily I didn't send him money.

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Scam tactic #1.

 

[BBob]

The custom photo request will help weed them out quick.

 

[SHTF]

Yeah look at their feedback history. if they have sold things to others they will have a great feedback. Always always check that. 2nd Im a huge anti paypal Goods and Services as now if you go over 600$ in a year time. The IRS hears about it and calls that taxable income. does not matter you spent money on that item and just trying to recoup the cost or a portion of the Cost. Welcome to Biden Admin. so I will always try to get folks to pay with FF as that is not reported. I have a long history though on Rokslide and other places buying and selling stuff so normally its not an issue for me but for someone new I can see why Goods and Services would be wanted for protecting yourself on purchases.

 

[Woodrow]

Did one member pm you saying another member has them for sale with a link to his email? That's literally been happening to me the last few days but luckily I didn't send him money.

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

yes - that happened as well. So i emailed him and he wanted to sell me 10x42 Swaro EL @ $750 that was enough of a red flag for me. Also he just kept asking me for my address.

 

[Mike Islander]

Yeah look at their feedback history. if they have sold things to others they will have a great feedback. Always always check that. 2nd Im a huge anti paypal Goods and Services as now if you go over 600$ in a year time. The IRS hears about it and calls that taxable income. does not matter you spent money on that item and just trying to recoup the cost or a portion of the Cost. Welcome to Biden Admin. so I will always try to get folks to pay with FF as that is not reported. I have a long history though on Rokslide and other places buying and selling stuff so normally its not an issue for me but for someone new I can see why Goods and Services would be wanted for protecting yourself on purchases.

I'm pretty sure if you report a loss on an item you resell, not only will you not owe tax, but it will reduce your taxable income and you will pay less tax.

 

[Bubblehide]

Yeah look at their feedback history. if they have sold things to others they will have a great feedback. Always always check that. 2nd Im a huge anti paypal Goods and Services as now if you go over 600$ in a year time. The IRS hears about it and calls that taxable income. does not matter you spent money on that item and just trying to recoup the cost or a portion of the Cost. Welcome to Biden Admin. so I will always try to get folks to pay with FF as that is not reported. I have a long history though on Rokslide and other places buying and selling stuff so normally its not an issue for me but for someone new I can see why Goods and Services would be wanted for protecting yourself on purchases.

Serious question: Since I am a longtime member in good standing, with great feedback, would you be willing to ship an item to me unpaid until received?

 

[wyosteve]

I've said it before, do a video call with the seller holding the item. Quick, easy and at least guarantees he has the item. And then pay in a manner that gives you some recourse.