Possible bad apple

[DeVille]

So, firstly let me say that I don't have definitive proof - just call it gut instinct and experience...

I had put a call out for a 116600 SD4K here on TRF. I received a message from user 'OysterDavid' saying he had a near-mint full-set. He supplied pics, we spoke on the phone, and we agreed on a price.

I then asked for some requirements before I wired the money:
Invoice
Home address
Photo of current driving license with matching address
Photo of warranty card with serial number
Bank details
TRF references
FaceTime/Skype video call so he could show me he was in possession of the actual watch.

I received an invoice with half the required info missing. He told me didn't have any apps to do video calls. He sent a pic of a passport which had obviously been doctored and with a different name. No TRF references. A pic of a warranty card with the serial blocked.
The home address he gave was in San Francisco, his bank is in Orlando and his phone number is a Mississippi area code.
Obviously I declined the transaction.
One red flag in this list might be believable - but this many?
Now whether this might be a genuine TRF member who has been hacked - it's possible.
"Caveat Emptor"

[214270Explorer]

You did REALLY REALLY WELL with your due diligence of homework. Too many here do not, and end up posting of a ripoff. Especially after wiring money.

"WTB" ads here often attract the scammers. Some impersonate actual members.

And NEVER wire money, never, ever. Except to established well known brick and mortar stores such as DAVIDSW.

All newbies here should read your post before attempting a purchase. It is filled with good procedures to follow.

[shaunylw]

Awesome work. This is the level everyone should be going through with sellers they don’t know.

I’ve sent a photo with my drivers license and my Amex platinum card ( just has a name on it) for proof. Along with sending them an email from my company email/ LinkedIn.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Old Expat Beast]

OysterDavid's Nigerian IP address was none too encouraging, either, when I just checked.

Good work, but it's also good if you report these things direct to mods or report any suspicious PMs using the report button, so we can get right on it.

Thanks.

[DeVille]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

OysterDavid's Nigerian IP address was none too encouraging, either, when I just checked.

Good work, but it's also good if you report these things direct to mods or report any suspicious PMs using the report button, so we can get right on it.

Thanks.

I wasn't sure what the correct protocol was - but thanks for the heads up and it seems like you're on top of it now

[Catatafish]

Wow, thanks for this post. I just found a great price on a Milgauss via Watch Patrol and came here to do a search on that name. As a bonus I got a great list of things to ask for on any wire deal. Much appreciated Jesse and Adam.

[subtona]

Well done. Thanks for sharing the details and thanks to Adam for the ip address info.

This is a great piece of knowledge for inexperienced buyers.