Scammers still lurking

[Davea320]

Just finished chatting with Venmo customer service about a fraudulent transaction.

Pm’d the seller here on VAF about his headset that is for sale. At about the same time I got PMs from the real seller and someone posing as the seller. Thought they were from same and sounded legit. I asked for photos and was sent pics of headset on some type of dinner table. Asked about hours used and when purchased and all answers seemed logical. Sent Venmo $ to email address and was told I’d get a tracking number when shipped.

Thought all was good until REAL seller sent me his photos then I realized what had happened and how I was duped by fake seller. I’m in dispute phase with Venmo now, but nothing can happen until $ post out of my acct. It’s not a ton of $, but frustrating to say the least.

First time I’ve been taken on this site. So just be forewarned the scammers are still out there and they are crafty suckers.

[rhill]

Thanks Dave, Man how did they know you requested photos? Topic for another forum I know. I post sale items on BS and get inundated with "your Item" emails often with numbers on the Scam list. I think its best to speak with sellers or buyers first and confirm details. Aviation people are generally the best
if you get the sense their not..... walk away.

[wirejock]

Can someone explain how this can hapoen?
He PM'd one person. How would the other know to reply? The second person never got a message.
So weird.

[Ratdog]

A person selling a SL30*represented himself to be Marshall Alexander,
RV10Man,1161 posts. I just found out that Marshall had been dead since sept 2021.
https://www.bffuneralhome.com/obitua...?obId=22396391
This person posted: https://vansairforce.net/community/s...d.php?t=200577
A Garmin SL30 for sale. I responded to an email address of jrs148855@gmail.com and paypal'd the money. *Later, he had me cancel that transaction and asked that I send a paypal gift transaction to mrsjesuschrist@live.com.*I have not received a tracking number or the item as they had agreed to. I just reported it to paypal. I'm sorry I did not follow your advice on the*site. RV10Man*looked like a legitimate person.

[Ratdog]

Another scammer?
Prosperity Prosperity is offline
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Northwood
Posts: 0
Garmin SL30
Not sure if you got to buy as i have one for sale
Selling due to cancer issues
Willing to sell at $1550 shipped to anywhere within the USA
Payment - Cashapp/Venmo/Zelle
maritimesend@gmail.com

[Secondwind]

Most likely the 2 emails were the same person or someone working along with the scammer. Because of the number of scams I will only deal face to face or with PayPal. I will not send money via friends and family or as a gift because you then loose any of your protection.

[BlackhawkSP]

It's extremely frustrating having to put up with these dirtbags. I've had scam attempts trying to sell things on Barnstormers and while shopping for a mower on line recently. Most of them can be sorted out with the warning signs posted everywhere.

I wish that the internet providers could come up with a way to nullify all these ways to steal money from people with technology-and stop also the stupid phone scams, of which I get scores of calls each month from people with Indian accents that want to lower my interest rates, etc......

[vinzer]

I personally faced a scam (on other website) while sold an item and got paid via PayPal. The payment was for Goods and Services. After item was received by buyer he opened dispute in PP saying that item does not work. I agreed to accept it back for full refund, he shipped me package …. with some scrap metal but not the original item. PayPal took money out of me and refunded buyer back despite my explanations that package I received back contained no item I sold originally. Few $K in loses and no more trust to electronic payment services.
I think some sort of reference system or trust rating needs to be implemented but even though some scammers somehow able to use accounts of members who passed away

[rv8ch]

Originally Posted by vinzer

I personally faced a scam (on other website) while sold an item and got paid via PayPal. The payment was for Goods and Services. After item was received by buyer he opened dispute in PP saying that item does not work. I agreed to accept it back for full refund, he shipped me package …. with some scrap metal but not the original item. PayPal took money out of me and refunded buyer back despite my explanations that package I received back contained no item I sold originally. Few $K in loses and no more trust to electronic payment services.
I think some sort of reference system or trust rating needs to be implemented but even though some scammers somehow able to use accounts of members who passed away

Many have suggested to use Stein as a broker. This is a good idea. Yes it costs money, but it gives you peace of mind.

As I have written many times, if you underestimate the bad guys, they will take your money. They obviously have more experience scamming people, so don't think you are smart enough to not be fooled by them.

[Capt]

A good test is to find out the sellers location and mention that you have a mate who will call round with cash and collect on your behalf, tried that a few times, never heard back from some! If I can’t see an item myself or have it collected then I don’t buy!