How often do you guys (classifieds sellers) run into scammers on MLP?

[bigwebb83]

So I rooted a sneaky one out a few months back. Check threads started by me for more details. I've still got some pedals for sale in the classifieds section and I just got contacted by an international buyer that's been on here since August. A couple red flags went up. He's willing to pay me full price plus $20 for international shipping no questions asked. Rather than just ask me for me paypal, he asked me to send him an invoice. The communication is happening almost instantaneously. I send a pm and almost instantly get one back. He seems to be pushing very hard to do it quickly. When I asked him for references, he just mentioned that he had bought like 4 sets of pickups this month from members on this site but did not provide names. I see where it looks like he purchased a high end les paul as well just a few days ago from a member on this site. To me, a guy that shows up on a website and immediately starts buying high end stuff (he went after the most expensive pedal I have for sale) is a red flag. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but my mamma always told me to go with my gut. And right now it's telling me something don't smell right.

So to the point of the thread. Do scammers pop up here regularly?

 

[bigwebb83]

anybody?

 

[Northwinds]

Overseas buyers have less access to stuff and have the money to pay. I see no issue but it's your gear and your gut

 

[bigwebb83]

Overseas buyers have less access to stuff and have the money to pay. I see no issue but it's your gear and your gut

i guess I'm just being paranoid.

 

[zeronalo]

Man - the money I would still have if I listened to my gut feeling.

I say tread carefully. He is probably legit but be careful anyway.

Freddy

 

[slapshot]

2 sides to a coin ...

I just got contacted by an international buyer that's been on here since August. A couple red flags went up. He's willing to pay me full price plus $20 for international shipping no questions asked.

i've done this before.if you're selling something for $100 that'd cost me $200 here I wouldn't think twice about trying to talk you down or anything and from my experience I know what postage rates are from various things so me adding that extra is just courtesy really for an easy sale.I really don't like ****ing around if I buy something.

Rather than just ask me for me paypal, he asked me to send him an invoice.

I send invoices/requests.maybe that's what they expect or are used to?It also helps if they have to show some sort of proof of purchase to any customs type people for calculating taxes ect.an email showing you just sent a paypal gift payment to someone just doesn't cut it

The communication is happening almost instantaneously. I send a pm and almost instantly get one back.

if i'm online posting and i see a PM notify i'll write back now usually

He seems to be pushing very hard to do it quickly. When I asked him for references, he just mentioned that he had bought like 4 sets of pickups this month from members on this site but did not provide names.

apples & oranges but he might simply just really really want it?you might think hes pushy he might think he's just being concise & a good buyer by not ****ing around.
might also want to respect other peoples privacy and to be 100% if it was me buying it (it's not haha) and I saw this thread questioning me or you gave me the 3rd degree I couldn't tell you to go **** yourself quick enough ... but that's just me.

I see where it looks like he purchased a high end les paul as well just a few days ago from a member on this site. To me, a guy that shows up on a website and immediately starts buying high end stuff (he went after the most expensive pedal I have for sale) is a red flag.

they might also be sick of say ebay & it's higher prices?people have joined here specifically to buy from me.some expensive stuff to.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but my mamma always told me to go with my gut. And right now it's telling me something don't smell right.

maybe maybe not .... there's that 2 sides thing again.
but just a perspective from someone overseas for your consideration

So to the point of the thread. Do scammers pop up here regularly?

who are they?do we need to vet them?

 

[Torren61]

I have not had a single problem.

 

[Strato]

I try to avoid those that the majority around here don't know anything about. Well respected Lifer's that have great reputations.
Nothing wrong with staying on your toes when it comes to dealing with newbs without recommendations or someone to vouch for them.

 

[your idol]

Dude i sold my R9 (we aint talkin pedal money) to a guy like this. Invoice, no BS attitude. he nitpicked everything but NEVER once haggled and compensated me well to kick it in the ass and make it happen.

no sweat done and done. the process while not a love fest went down without a hitch.

that being said i gambled and won...you could just as easily lose your ass.

i mess with folks i know for the most part...i rarely come across anyone on here i dont know to some capacity or at least whove got other guys who can give them a seal of approval. i check friends lists and i do my homework...hell ill even make phone calls or drive lengths to get a deal done.

always leave your self a plan of action to take with those you dont know to CYOA...if they dont agree tell em piss up a rope and hold out for a deal youre comfy with.

 

[Bobby Mahogany]

"When I asked him for references, he just mentioned that he had bought like 4 sets of pickups this month from members on this site but did not provide names."

If I was asked for references, I would answer by naming the guys I had dealt with on the Forum. The fact that he claims to have bought from 4 members but doesn't name them seems a little odd. My two cents...

 

[realjimjim]

"When I asked him for references, he just mentioned that he had bought like 4 sets of pickups this month from members on this site but did not provide names."

If I was asked for references, I would answer by naming the guys I had dealt with on the Forum. The fact that he claims to have bought from 4 members but doesn't name them seems a little odd. My two cents...

Serious.

I've had guys ask me here "can i use you for a ref?"

And, "Hey, Jim, if you need a ref, just let me know.'

So anyone who can't or won't name names is a red flag to me.

 

[your idol]

Serious.

I've had guys ask me here "can i use you for a ref?"

And, "Hey, Jim, if you need a ref, just let me know.'

So anyone who can't or won't name names is a red flag to me.

yeah ive given names and been asked about TONS of members for both gear and character refs. its part of a place like this. if i dont know you maybe someone i do trust knows you...if not then there will be safety nets involved in any horsetrading.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

yeah ive given names and been asked about TONS of members for both gear and character refs. its part of a place like this. if i dont know you maybe someone i do trust knows you...if not then there will be safety nets involved in any horsetrading.

As much as I talk about playing before paying and not buying online, there are a few members here whom I'd trust implicitly and would buy from without a second thought. If it isn't them ... I'm off to the brick-and-mortar.