Want to Buy FYI- Public Service Announcement - Scammers

[dirkfletcher]

Be aware of people trolling the WTB section who will reach out claiming to have what you are looking for. I had a long dialogue with someone claiming to have a lens I was looking for, it was suspicious from the get go, so I googled the email address being used. Found a bunch of instances where people were scammed from the same email address. Not just in photo fourms, everything from musical instruments to home brewers.

Just be safe, if it seems too good to be true (even if it doesn’t) a quick google search of the email address could save you time, $$ and headache.

Sucks that these people are out there, you know, people preying on camera nerds like us…, just be safe!

Dirk

 

🛡️ Classifieds Safety Reminder: Please stay safe when buying and selling. Scams via hacked accounts are on the rise globally.

Best Practices: Always use a verified payment method with buyer protection (avoid "PayPal Friends & Family"). Services like Escrow.com are highly secure. Be suspicious of random unsolicited contact via Private Message. If you see suspicious behavior, please use the Report link on the post immediately.

[mshchem]

Excellent advice. Always pay for item as merchandise using a credit card. PayPal will protect you. I had an experience on large format photography forum, a long time member stiffed a bunch of people. I got my money back from PayPal. The seller had a personal crisis

 

[russljames]

Thanks for the heads-up!
Russ

 

[logan2z]

Just out of curiosity, what was the post count and join date of the 'seller'? A low or zero post count and a recent join date should be red flags when someone is responding to a WTB.

If you haven't already done so, report the user to a moderator. If they're banned they might rejoin the site using a different account name, but then the join date and low post count checks will hopefully allow you to avoid getting scammed.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Zero post counts can't start a "conversation" thread. There's a minimum (though it isn't very large).

 

[DonW]

Hence all the really old threads being revived

 

[mshchem]

I would like to have classified ads in a wholly separate area. You would need to look for it. I'm too easily tempted

 

[MattKing]

I've updated the thread title - to make the excellent advice even more visible.

 

[dirkfletcher]

Ironically he must be trolling as he emailed out of the blue and said we can communicate here (instead of in the WTB post that I had just put up).

OK...I'm the idiot, I just looked at my post and realized I put my email address in the ad...duh! Lesson learned, Don't put an email address in your ads for buying OR selling!

All good info to keep everyone safe, have a great weekend all!
Dirk

 

[MattKing]

Don't put an email address in your ads for buying OR selling!

What he said!

 

[gone]

Yes, that might explain it. But thanks for the tip on googling suspicious email addresses, I never thought of that.

 

[dirkfletcher]

Yes, that might explain it. But thanks for the tip on googling suspicious email addresses, I never thought of that.

It was actually super entertaining!!

 

[Light Capture]

In addition to all good advice here. Please don't use friends and family on PayPal. It doesn't offer any protection. Money is gone the second you send it.

Instead ask seller to send PayPal invoice. This invoice is also good if you are need to claim your purchase for tax purposes. It's better to negotiate terms for PayPal fee than to risk the whole transaction.
Some people will claim they don't use PayPal but you can offer COD if available or walk away from the transaction.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Be aware of people trolling the WTB section who will reach out claiming to have what you are looking for. I had a long dialogue with someone claiming to have a lens I was looking for, it was suspicious from the get go, so I googled the email address being used. Found a bunch of instances where people were scammed from the same email address. Not just in photo fourms, everything from musical instruments to home brewers.

Just be safe, if it seems too good to be true (even if it doesn’t) a quick google search of the email address could save you time, $$ and headache.

Sucks that these people are out there, you know, people preying on camera nerds like us…, just be safe!

Dirk

I've purchased from people here who have a long history of posting and being involved in the site in all areas. I also have bought lenses from Japan through ebay from dealers there who have 98% favorable ratings and have done many sales. It is somewhat of a crap shoot otherwise.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thank you
I look for established members, if not, proceed with caution. Use PayPal and never as friend.