Scammers lurking the WTB section

[jolimont]

Honestly if I post up a WTB ad and you contact me via PM, with 0 forum posts,0 history, 0 references, and request we contact via email only, why the hell would I deal with you?

Have had 2 do this to me since yesterday and with previous WTB requests!


/rant

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Yes, the pond scum are lurking in the depths

[77T]

A WTB is like freshly cut bait in shark-filled waters. It is no different than FS posts I've made and get the odd bodkin doing same.

Almost makes you want an embargo on new members sending PMs

[mannyv11]

I have had people do this for WTB ads I posted months in the past. Everyone be careful out there

[waQstar]

Every WTB add I place I get these clowns messaging me, I don't even waste a second..


Delete!

[locutus49]

I guess they are emigrating from flea bay.

[bearone2]

i'm new here & have worn rolex's since the mid '60's.

i've gone thru fs/wtb adds that go back a long ways & have had several unsolicited pm's asking if the straight hand explorerII in my avatar is for sale.

i've had the e2 for 40+ years & wear a 31 year old gmt rootbeer.

anything myself or any other newbie buys will have funds in your hand before you ship to me, so it's a win-win in my book & you make a sale.

[mjm800]

Yes, WTB is bad news. You're just asking for the 0 post member to contact you with just the watch you're looking for. Whatever you want one will pop up for sale or you can always contact a trusted seller and let them know you're looking. Many will be more than happy to help you out.

[AlBacon!974]

I have had a few of those zero post, zero history and just joined the site on the same day contact me about a few of my wanted to buy posts I made. When I asked for more details and pics they of course just disappeared into thin air. But I did have one guy who only had a few post and one month on the site that had what I was looking for, a 1974 Day-Date. Only after over a dozen emails and 3 telephone conversations and about 3-4 well known trusted sellers who vouched for him did I feel comfortable doing business with. So it can be hard for someone who is legitimate trying to start out but you definitely need to do your due diligence and buy the seller.

[bearone2]

agreed

[jolimont]

Having said that, i have had pretty good success with WTB ads in past and have sold watches in response to Wtb ads as well

[kaseri]

As far as I'm concerned, 0 posts + 0 feedback = 0 deal

[bearone2]

you might be missing out on a diamond in the rough.

[kilyung]

Interestingly I've had no issues selling to 0 post/feedback denizens. Let me qualify that first by saying that it's got to be wire only. There are a LOT of silent TRFers who are just here looking for a deal and not interested in participating.

[Neunundneunzig]

I too have experienced this WTB trap. I almost sent the guy money before I did an email search and found they were stolen. What's even worse was they used a trusted seller's name and scammed a second email address. Fast communication, was well-spoken -- it's scary at times.

[Larry B]

Having been denied a sale recently for these very reasons I decided to be a little more active. I have always been one of the silent TRFers using all the great resources the site has, but never really contributed. Purchase quite frequently online especially ebay, but have never sold anything. Never really put any thought into someone scamming a seller. It's always been the other way around. Having thought more about it now I'd have to say I agree completely with the OP. It's better safe than sorry. While you may miss out on a diamond in the rough I'm willing to bet there are far more scammers. This place seems far safer than ebay because people build reputations, and you know who your buying from/selling to.

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by Larry B

Having been denied a sale recently for these very reasons I decided to be a little more active. I have always been one of the silent TRFers using all the great resources the site has, but never really contributed. Purchase quite frequently online especially ebay, but have never sold anything. Never really put any thought into someone scamming a seller. It's always been the other way around. Having thought more about it now I'd have to say I agree completely with the OP. It's better safe than sorry. While you may miss out on a diamond in the rough I'm willing to bet there are far more scammers. This place seems far safer than ebay because people build reputations, and you know who your buying from/selling to.

Welcome Larry. I do not sell here often and I've only bought a few times. But putting some time into the community goes a long way in my book when I do look to buy. Enjoy and welcome to the community!

[robinsjl]

there must be some other way to tell the seller's credit. etc. other forum, ebay

[joli160]

I never sell and don't buy very often, but zero posts is a no go for me.