being scammed by a pledge member. please help

[Jim Smyth]

Due diligence is prudent on both sides because scams run both directions. To think different is very naive.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

Due diligence is prudent on both sides because scams run both directions. To think different is very naive.

Exactly 100% this.

Outside of very few here I don’t know that I would wire anyone money for a watch other than my AD. And if I were selling a high dollar watch i would accept PayPal from only those I thoroughly vetted. I would trade or sell to a TS or my AD for less money before I would risk taking PayPal from a stranger on Ebay.


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[scoot4nat]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

The term is “buyer beware” not seller beware. If the seller gets scammed or loses money it is a cost of doing business. He can then pass that on to other buyers as higher prices if he chooses to do so. The buyer has no similar remedy. Thus it behooves a buyer to do more due diligence than a seller might.

Not sure the term really matters. Also assumes the buyer is in a position to sell other pieces to recoup losses. Logics doesn't stand up to the test in afraid. As a seller I would expect due diligence.

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[77T]

Awful situation and hope it can be solved with restitution to the buyers who were scammed.


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[bonatto]

Originally Posted by cornerstore

When selling or buying I find a red flag is when someone is a multi year TRF member with few posts as opposed to a pledge member who is engaged and contributes to the sites expenses. Makes me wonder why they post so infrequently and why they don't see the value in supporting the site that provides them a service. I have one suggestion for the classified section : only pledge members with a minimum of 100 posts get access to the buy and sell area. Might save everyone some grief

As one of these account holders I'd like to chime in. I don't post regularly because I don't feel that I often have anything overtly constructive to add, and when I do, I do. Still, I hold accounts by the same name elsewhere, with a similar post count.

What did happen recently was someone trying to use my name to scam others and there was a thread that clarified what was happening.

I have no problems with identifying myself as a buyer or seller, with ID or whatever.

I appreciate there may be *phantom* legacy accounts that are targeted for hacks or used by chancers, but blanket suggestion to avoid sounds unfair and offers false security if you assume that high post count users do not go rogue.

Due diligence is your only risk mitigator, there is no such thing as 100%, nobody will take better care of your money than you will, so ask the right questions and send the right emails until you feel comfortable.

Deals on eBay, TZ, watchuseek, TRF, etc over ten years well into 6 figures, thankfully no scams.

Stay safe.

[Mb8780]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Curious, if you don't mind my asking, but how were you able to get a partial refund of your money? I assumed it would have been refunded in full or not at all. Sadly, most often the later.



Was the scammer able to make a partial restitution and off the hook for the rest?

Basically the bank took all that was available in his account. What I was told anyway!


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[zacharykim]

Just adding my experience here as well.

I was scammed out of a large sum of money a few months ago for a 114060 ND Sub. Very convincing seller on Timezone. Had hundred's of post (albeit all within a few days) and numerous email references. Sounds like my story is similar to OP's story in that the funds were wired and then the excuses started rolling in.

Seller even called me a few times to "ease" my nerves.

Eventually, he stopped responding to me. I've filed a police report and a report with the FBI, but assuming my case is "low priority", I don't expect a resolution.

After reading this thread, I've definitely picked up some good tips on verifying the seller.

I think going forward, unless I'm buying from one of the few trusted sellers on this forum, it's worth just buying a plane ticket and meeting the seller in person.

[hsfrank]

Originally Posted by scoot4nat

Not sure the term really matters. Also assumes the buyer is in a position to sell other pieces to recoup losses. Logics doesn't stand up to the test in afraid. As a seller I would expect due diligence.

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Just to clarify the assumption is that the SELLER can recoup losses nut the buyer. Both should do due diligence but since the seller is the “commercial” business end of the transaction he can recoup thru higher prices that he sets. If the buyer try’s to recoup thru buying cheaper he does not control the outcome. Anyway its only hypothetical. The real point is exercise care and prudence.