I'm reasonably sure this is going to make me a target for scams, since I spend a lot of time looking in the classifieds and reaching out to folks about what they are selling, but I'm guessing it'd be helpful to have a few of us here that can offer some assistance detecting scammers. Scammers don't appreciate being brought to light.
My background is in computer and network security. 40+ years in the business, and newly retired and picking up the obsession we seem to all share with air gunning.
That said, I joined a few weeks ago and promptly posted a WTB in the classifieds and within a few days, started receiving some interest and offers.
[email protected] emerged from the pack, offering just what I was looking for, and at a great price. The story he told about his airgun didn't sound kosher, so I asked a few questions about the provenance of the gun, what he liked and didn't about it, and for some pictures. The pictures are key.
Why?
Google (and other services) offer reverse image searches.
What are reverse image searches?
My personal AI descibes them thusly:
Reverse image search tools help people confirm the authenticity and source of images found online. This can be done by entering a portion of an image into a search engine, which then cross references the content with other databases or websites to see if any matches exist. If there is indeed a match, reverse image searches can help to locate the original location from where the photo was taken, which in turn helps people determine if it's been stolen or altered, and whether its origins are legitimate or not. People use reverse image search tools for a variety of reasons, including to verify someone’s identity, validate images used on websites, authenticate social media posts, track the usage of their own images by others, catch scammers using their photos without permission, confirm that an image is not being used maliciously or unfairly, and more.
So, with images in hand from this sketchy individual, I was able to reverse image search the pictures he sent, and they matched perfectly with images that had been used on YouTube and elsewhere promoting and reviewing the airgun I wanted.
Scammers have no money to buy the airgun they are offering, take pictures of it, and send them to various places asking people to buy them. They want your money and aren't willing to spend any to get that dough.
First instincts are important, as are reverse image searches; but the kicker is not to trust - you must verify as much information as possible. A legitimate seller (or buyer) will not have a problem sharing important identifying contact information with you to make sure the transaction proceeds smoothly.
I'm available to help you sort through and verify a potential scam if you like.My private messages are open.
Stay safe out there and protect yourselves.
There are wolves in our midst, and my big-bore is trained on sleuthing them out.
Best,
Mark