How to check credibility of a seller

R

RH4540

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 1, 2008
289
1
Wisconsin
#1
I don't know if this is the proper place to post this, but, here goes.

I've bought and sold hundreds of guns, and parts, on various websites over the years, and NEVER had a serious issue, but, on another site, I responded to an ad that was posted by a fellow that had just joined the site, and he told me that I was second in line for buying what he had for sale, <span style="font-weight: bold">but then, he also sent his name and address, and told me to send him $$.</span>

The next day, he sent me an email saying the other guy had backed out, and I should send him the $$ and when the funds cleared ( I'd told him it would be a USPS money order)he would send out the package.

I ALMOST went to the Post Office the next day, but, instead, re-read the emails from him, and have the feeling I'm being scammed.

If the guy was in Wisconsin, I'd maybe have a chance of being able to check him out, but, he's in New York.

Do you guys have any thoughts??

Thanks in advance!!!
 
#4
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

That's what I think I should do, but, it's such a good price....

I was hoping there was a way to check out somebody that lived in N.Y.
 
#6
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

Wouldn't be tied to a Nigerian bank would it? Come on this is the internet. You should always be on HIGH ALERT with the buyer beware. It is like gambling only pay what you can afford to lose.
 
#8
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

It's either a scam or the first guy honestly backed out. There are a few questions/things I'd take into consideration.

-How long after he told you there was already a buyer until he sent you his address? Since he sent you his address then the next day told you the guy backed out. He could just be a newbie, not understand the process fully, etc... which could end up being a HUGE pain in the ass and not worth the hassle anyway.

-Is it a physical address or P.O. Box? I've dealt with both but they were with established forum members (here and elsewhere) or on GB and had enough positive feedback I wasn't too concerned.

-I have sold to some un-rated users on GB which was a little different. If they didn't pay I was only out the auction fee. That only happened once and the guy offered to pay the fee for me. Of course I never got it but it was only about six bucks.

-If it's a forum, I'm guessing they don't have a post count rule like here or over at Enos. Has he made any contributions other than his ad?

-If you can talk to him on the phone you might get a better feel for what's up.

If you really have a bad feeling about it, I'd pass. I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt. Afterall, we were all new once
wink.gif
.
 
#10
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's either a scam or the first guy honestly backed out. There are a few questions/things I'd take into consideration.

-How long after he told you there was already a buyer until he sent you his address? Since he sent you his address then the next day told you the guy backed out. He could just be a newbie, not understand the process fully, etc... which could end up being a HUGE pain in the ass and not worth the hassle anyway. <span style="font-weight: bold">He sent me his address in the SAME email that he told me there was another buyer in front of me. It's possible that he's just a newbie, and like you said, that alone could be a PITA!</span>

-Is it a physical address or P.O. Box? I've dealt with both but they were with established forum members (here and elsewhere) or on GB and had enough positive feedback I wasn't too concerned.<span style="font-weight: bold">It's a physical address. Like you, I've sent funds to both, from established members of forums without any issues before.</span>

-I have sold to some un-rated users on GB which was a little different. If they didn't pay I was only out the auction fee. That only happened once and the guy offered to pay the fee for me. Of course I never got it but it was only about six bucks.

-If it's a forum, I'm guessing they don't have a post count rule like here or over at Enos. Has he made any contributions other than his ad? <span style="font-weight: bold">No, there was no rule about minimum post count. Yes, he had one post from a week, or so before he put the item up for sale.</span>

-If you can talk to him on the phone you might get a better feel for what's up.

If you really have a bad feeling about it, I'd pass. I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt. Afterall, we were all new once
wink.gif
. </div></div> <span style="font-weight: bold">Yes, we were! LOL</span>
 
#11
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

I'd be asking a bunch more questions before I sent a dime. Ask him what other sites he's on, if he has any positive feedback on any related forums, get a phone number to call him at, etc.

Too good of a deal, and the first buyer backed out? Major red flags to me.
 
#12
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it smells fishy walk away. </div></div>

Virgin.
 
#13
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

Sir,
I think I would trust your instincts. As you have done other deals without cold feet, this one is just not straight. IF YOU MUST, you could insist on sending the MO to a local FFL dealer and Having the Item shipped from there as well. Or offer to pay the charge. If you are curious, but have decided to back off, you could offer to pick it up FTF and watch him run.
Like you I have only had one really bad deal with thousands done. Most of the guys in this game are honest or concerned about their reputation and act honestly.
Just My Opinion
RTH
 
#14
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

At the suggestion of a fellow Hide member, per a P.M., he suggested that I do a search on Myspace and facebook. Well, I'm not at all very computer literate, and wasn't sure how to do it, but, I did find him on Myspace, and he's only 20 years old, which may account for what he's been doing.

I think I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt, but, I will be using a USPS money order..

Thanks all!!
 
#15
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shaggy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it smells fishy walk away. </div></div>

Virgin. </div></div>

Damned straight! Saving myself for a virtuous woman....
wink.gif
 
#16
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shaggy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Phylodog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it smells fishy walk away. </div></div>

Virgin. </div></div>

Damned straight! Saving myself for a virtuous woman....
wink.gif
</div></div>

I don't believe that one for a second
grin.gif
 
#17
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

Ive sold and shipped out of area stuff that I posted on craigslist before. I always offer to post a e-bay buy it now for their peace of mind and so they can see that I have perfect feedback. Doesn't really work with gun parts but I think that if most had half a brain they would not screw over someone that was into guns....
 
#18
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stilts75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ive sold and shipped out of area stuff that I posted on craigslist before. I always offer to post a e-bay buy it now for their peace of mind and so they can see that I have perfect feedback. Doesn't really work with gun parts but I think that if most had half a brain they would not screw over someone that was into guns.... </div></div>

Yea, but, there are a LOT of people out there that don't seem to even have half a brain!! LOL
 
#20
Re: How to check credibility of a seller

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So RH what did you decide to do? </div></div>

I decided to give the kid the benifit of the doubt, and sent him a USPS money order via certified mail. He sent me an email yesyerday saying he was going to ship today.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
 
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