Hi everyone,
A week ago I was scammed by someone on this site and would like to offer a little advice so that you aren't taken advantage of too.
On an almost daily basis, for over 6 months now, I have searched for a Delta Stryker scope in the classified. On two of those days, I replied a little too late and lost out to another member. I have been so eager to acquire this scope that I told myself that if the opportunity came, I was going to "take it" before anyone else could beat me to it. Otherwise, I was going to bite the bullet, and buy brand new as a Christmas gift to my company (I pest for a living).
As it turned out, that strategy ended up biting me in the ass. 11 days ago I sent $1000 to a forum member that goes by "DRELL". I was so eager to get this item that I didn't do my research on the seller and lost all my money. Both PayPay and my bank said they couldn't help me. I thought that it was a safe transaction because I was buying through PayPal and if there was a problem, my bank would back me up. Boy, was I wrong!!!!
These are the things that I overlooked.
1. Check the sellers bio and history. When I saw the reused photos, I assumed that they bought it from the same member that was selling the scope last time I looked.
2. Do not send money through PayPal Friends & Family. You will not be protected. I thought that I was protected. If I had known, I would have not made the purchase.
3. Ask that they accept Paypal and pay the extra 3.5%. If they are not willing to do that, they may be trying to scam you.
4. Ask for a picture of item with proof of todays date, or with their member name written next to it. Don't just accept the pictures as credible or as their's. DRELL (the scammer) used picture from the previous sale. I have seen this done before as its easier than uploading a bunch of pictures yourself. But if they aren't willing, watch out.
5. As double protection, use a credit card company that you trust to protect you. I used my debit card from Bank of America (because I thought that I would be protected). I should have used American Express. America Express has protected me from fraud before. FYI- I will not use BOA again. This is the second time that they have not protected me. I will bank with someone who has me in their best interest. I plan to close all BOA accounts quite soon. (Thanks STO)
6. Always assume that you are being scammed and take every level of protection seriously.
Good luck to all. I hope that I have raised your level of awareness and you don't suffer the same fate as I did. Trust me, I feel as stupid as they come. This has been a very hard and costly lesson to learn.
A week ago I was scammed by someone on this site and would like to offer a little advice so that you aren't taken advantage of too.
On an almost daily basis, for over 6 months now, I have searched for a Delta Stryker scope in the classified. On two of those days, I replied a little too late and lost out to another member. I have been so eager to acquire this scope that I told myself that if the opportunity came, I was going to "take it" before anyone else could beat me to it. Otherwise, I was going to bite the bullet, and buy brand new as a Christmas gift to my company (I pest for a living).
As it turned out, that strategy ended up biting me in the ass. 11 days ago I sent $1000 to a forum member that goes by "DRELL". I was so eager to get this item that I didn't do my research on the seller and lost all my money. Both PayPay and my bank said they couldn't help me. I thought that it was a safe transaction because I was buying through PayPal and if there was a problem, my bank would back me up. Boy, was I wrong!!!!
These are the things that I overlooked.
1. Check the sellers bio and history. When I saw the reused photos, I assumed that they bought it from the same member that was selling the scope last time I looked.
2. Do not send money through PayPal Friends & Family. You will not be protected. I thought that I was protected. If I had known, I would have not made the purchase.
3. Ask that they accept Paypal and pay the extra 3.5%. If they are not willing to do that, they may be trying to scam you.
4. Ask for a picture of item with proof of todays date, or with their member name written next to it. Don't just accept the pictures as credible or as their's. DRELL (the scammer) used picture from the previous sale. I have seen this done before as its easier than uploading a bunch of pictures yourself. But if they aren't willing, watch out.
5. As double protection, use a credit card company that you trust to protect you. I used my debit card from Bank of America (because I thought that I would be protected). I should have used American Express. America Express has protected me from fraud before. FYI- I will not use BOA again. This is the second time that they have not protected me. I will bank with someone who has me in their best interest. I plan to close all BOA accounts quite soon. (Thanks STO)
6. Always assume that you are being scammed and take every level of protection seriously.
Good luck to all. I hope that I have raised your level of awareness and you don't suffer the same fate as I did. Trust me, I feel as stupid as they come. This has been a very hard and costly lesson to learn.
