Posting WTB? Beware!

[clackey]

If you are posting a WTB (Wanted to Buy), you will likely be contacted by a scammer or two. Normally they say something like...

"I know a guy that might have one in this forum, he goes by @Username I haven't seen him on here for couple of days. I actually called him, no response. You can reach him via email- [email protected].

This was an actual message that a WTB poster received. They may look like a legitimate user with several posts, and they will refer to a legit user with lots of history as the "seller". The email will be the scammer's email, and not that of the potential seller they mention.

So, get on the phone with them or otherwise verify identity. Don't use paypal "friend and family" even through they'll require it. Offer to pay the extra to cover the transaction fee (non friends/family) so it can be reversed.

When in doubt, message me and I'll do some digging before you send the $$$.

Thanks!

 

[TheRock]

If you are posting a WTB (Wanted to Buy), you will likely be contacted by a scammer or two. Normally they say something like...

"I know a guy that might have one in this forum, he goes by @Username I haven't seen him on here for couple of days. I actually called him, no response. You can reach him via email- [email protected].

This was an actual message that a WTB poster received. They may look like a legitimate user with several posts, and they will refer to a legit user with lots of history as the "seller". The email will be the scammer's email, and not that of the potential seller they mention.

So, get on the phone with them or otherwise verify identity. Don't use paypal "friend and family" even through they'll require it. Offer to pay the extra to cover the transaction fee (non friends/family) so it can be reversed.

When in doubt, message me and I'll do some digging before you send the $$$.

Thanks!

Thanks for all your great work clackey!!!

 

[tstr14]

Every website/forum has problems with scammers targeting WTB ads. Some sites make read a statement about scammers before they will let you post a WTB ad.

 

[slozukimc]

Every website/forum has problems with scammers targeting WTB ads. Some sites make read a statement about scammers before they will let you post a WTB ad.

Agreed. I also think that the age thing needs to go away. Scammers tend to target older “internet transaction naive” folks so seeing the amount of older folks on here makes it a prime fishing hole for them.

Mike

 

[DISC]

Agreed. I also think that the age thing needs to go away. Scammers tend to target older “internet transaction naive” folks so seeing the amount of older folks on here makes it a prime fishing hole for them.

Mike

Approaching 70 that’s a horrifying thought but thx for the reminder. Did get a password tip on WhatsApp from my 93 year old mother though - use £ as they don’t appear on non-uk keyboards!

 

[jmaganaski]

Agreed. I also think that the age thing needs to go away. Scammers tend to target older “internet transaction naive” folks so seeing the amount of older folks on here makes it a prime fishing hole for them.

Mike

Or at least offer it as an option under your profile settings…

This happened to me recently, the exact scenario @clackey described. It was on the inspire forum. I knew something was up when they demanded I send it friends and family via PayPal.

 

[mavic3usa]

Approaching 70 that’s a horrifying thought but thx for the reminder. Did get a password tip on WhatsApp from my 93 year old mother though - use £ as they don’t appear on non-uk keyboards!

on my Mac, it's easy
option 3 = £
option shift 2 = €

everyone should be using a good password manager which also helps to protect against phishing attacks so you never get to enter your password into a fake website pretending to be legitimate.