Hello-
I have bought, and sold, a dozen or more used airguns over the last decade. While I have never been scammed outright, there was one seller who failed to mention that neither of the cylinders he sold me with a pistol held air. The purchase price was good enough that I did not lose much, but I did learn from that experience.
What has worked for me when buying anything over $1000, Is using USPS money orders. Mind you, the maximum amount on a money order is $1000, so you may have to get more than one. USPS money orders have the added protection of the fact that, if the seller misrepresents the sale and steals your money, it becomes a crime the postal inspector can investigate. You will get your money back.
Paypal is easy, and someone here posted that Paypal actually helped with a problem involving an air gun, but I am leery of the service. Many buyers, and sellers, only want to use Paypal, though.
When considering a purchase I try to speak with the seller by phone. If they will not talk, no deal. You can also run a web search on the person or their address, to determine whether or not either exist. I often back search email addresses as well, to see if they pop up anywhere else- a red flag would be an email that shows up no where- probably just created.
Also, I run searches on all the photos they post of the item, through Google, to make sure the photos were not stolen from another forum overseas.
People who post a great deal on airgun forums are more likely to be real. However, some of my best deals have been obtained from taking a risk on a new forum member.
I accepted a bank draft/certified check on one occasion, for the sale of a centerfire pistol. Once received I called the actual bank and confirmed that the draft was legitimate, before shipping the pistol. (The bank then called the purchaser and told him I had called. He was so pissed off he gave me negative feedback on the forum. Since then, no bank drafts.)
At the end of the day, unless you are using a USPS money order to make your purchase you are taking a chance, and should assume the money is gone. When the item you ordered arrives as described, you can be pleasantly surprised and have a little more faith and trust in your fellow man.
Kind regards,
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