Con Artists

[Changmaisausage]

I would like to ask the question who has been scammed or should I say taken for a ride when buying a watch through the forum?

Recently I have tried to purchase watches from a couple of members, one agreed the price only for him to pull out of the deal because he did not like the idea of sending outside of the US. The other one increase his price and wanted to wait ten days after payment before sending the watch?

I dont have any knowledge of the scams but my understanding is if I send the money direct to your bank account and the funds clear then everything should be okay? It is I the buyer who runs the risk that the watch is not sent to me?

I know everyone is entitled to sell to whom they want but are people getting ripped off on a regular basis whilst dealing through the forum?

I know there are several members that ship overseas without problem (I have used one of them without any problem)

Looking for feedback.

Cheers

Dave

[Watchdog]

Sorry you had negative experiences. As many say here, you buy the seller. I have had (and know of many others who have had) several flawless transactions on this forum. There are one or two sellers I would bet my life will deliver the goods as promised. If you need some recommendations, I would be happy to provide in PM, as I am certain other members would as well.

Best of luck!

[Kanger]

No people are not getting ripped off on a regular basis here on TRF as I believe this is the safest place to buy, sell, and trade. A bank wire that you discuss is not risk free for the seller as DavidSW discussed potential ways bank wires could be used to scam sellers; however, bank wires, relatively speaking, are the safest other than in person. Shipping overseas has issues like customs whereas the buyer could perhaps wait and sell it in the States or his/her country and avoid the issue of sending it overseas all together. However, if you contact the most skilled sellers: Oscar, David, and Tony, shipping overseas is like eating breakfast- piece of cake.

[Changmaisausage]

As mentiond in my post I purchased a watch from David several month ago without any problems, could not be happier. I have also had several communications with other sellers the likes of Steve, Oscar etc...

I'm more interested in hearing what the cons are that people have experienced (heads up)

[sturgeon123456]

I am sorry to hear about your experiences. I have had nothing but positive experiences, Mosco is a solid seller.....DavidSW has been fantastic. All I can recommend is check the watch out section of this forum as well as some of the stickies to see which sellers around the net to avoid.

[cakim]

Never nice to know that there are potentially scammers operating on TRF. Although I do believe in purchasing through TRF - there is nothing nicer than building and then having a good relationship with a knowledgeable AD who will also give you a fair discount in addition to early calls when new stock comes in. However, you can build good relationship with sellers like Mosco and DavidSW too.

[Changmaisausage]

Just to point out that my original post was not calling any forum members con men (seems some people have misunderstood my submission) Please read the post carefully.

[drtooth73]

In regards to the OP mentioning waiting 10 days:
Someone sent me a cashiers check from Canada, without asking many question about the item, and wanted the watch sent right away.
The bank accepted a check, but I decided to wait until it clears, and guess what,
after 2,5 weeks, it turned out the check was a fake.

[Changmaisausage]

I agree I would not trust check's only bank transfers I believe these are the best method of payment.

Scary!

[unclesallie]

David:
This is off the direct subject, but, if you are in Chiangmai, why not do face to face deals in Singapore or Hong Kong if some of your experiences have been less than satisfactory online?
Best,
Dan

[Changmaisausage]

Hi Dan I'm still working and living in Qatar, maybe in the future when we are living in Chiang Mai (HOPE)

[ParisDakarBmw]

I was scammed by two (NON TRF MEMBERS) last year. Both were overseas, and I never got my money back.

I ended up here on TRF, because I wanted to build good relationships with people all over the world. As a matter of fact there are people here that I would ship my entire collection to, and have no worries that they would mail it directly back.

TRF is a very tight community, and has strong bonds through trust, and prior transactions.

My reason to decline most overseas / out of country sales is because I have no recourse if it's a scam. If I knew, and trusted the buyer, that wouldn't be an issue.

I understand your side of the coin. I wish I could do a FTF with people anywhere, and cut the chance of issues. If your a good guy, the sellers will get to know you, and make as many purchases as you'd like. Until then the guys are more likely to cover their butts!

[Changmaisausage]

Cheers Paul, it's a great forum and one that I spnd many hours on. Hopefully as time goes by people will start to trust me.

[ParisDakarBmw]

They will gain trust, but it takes a little time. I try to be a participating memberm and chip in a little cash every few months to keep things working smooth.

Your already taking that step. Try digging up a good deal for them overseas, and show your ability to ship items in good order, and your gaining trust.