Scammer targeting buyers on classified forums

[fgphoto]

So I had a Mini 3 Pro listed in the classifieds and agreed to sell it to another member after he reached out to me here on the forum. We agreed on a price, he sent the funds, and I mailed it off.

Shortly thereafter he received an unsolicited private message from a different account

"Asde5"​

claiming to be the person behind my user name and trying to sell him the drone using the text from my listing and asking him to email him at a gmail email address.

Fortunately the buyer is a sharp fellow and was able to figure out that it's a scam, but be aware that people are trying to take advantage of buyers by trying to pose as the seller. I have attached a copy of the emails between the scammer and the buyer below. I blocked out the buyer's email and name, but the scammer was using the email [email protected]

Buyers and sellers beware...

 

[GFields]

I'm passing this on to @clackey to take a look at.

 

[clackey]

So I had a Mini 3 Pro listed in the classifieds and agreed to sell it to another member after he reached out to me here on the forum. We agreed on a price, he sent the funds, and I mailed it off.

Shortly thereafter he received an unsolicited email from someone with a completely different name (and email) claiming to be the person behind my user name and trying to sell him the drone using the text from my listing. Fortunately the buyer is a sharp fellow and was able to figure out that it's a scam, but be aware that people are trying to take advantage of buyers by trying to pose as the seller. I have attached a copy of the emails between the scammer and the buyer below. I blocked out the buyer's email and name, but the scammer was using the email [email protected]

Buyers and sellers beware...

Yes, this happens. The question is, how did he get the buyers email address? The email address you mention doesn't have an account here but if you knew the username I could look into it further.

 

[fgphoto]

The buyer was messaged by "Asde5"

 

[clackey]

The buyer was messaged by "Asde5"

Ok thanks. After digging into that account it definitely looked suspicious. They have been removed.

 

[GFields]

The email address the OP mentions, [email protected] is found to be on several scammer pages. Google

 

[Dbez1]

Thanks for sharing this information. Maybe it’ll save someone from losing their $.

 

[Dale D]

The email address the OP mentions, [email protected] is found to be on several scammer pages. Google

Unfortunately, it seems as though only dealing through third parties such as eBay can we protect ourselves, but at the high cost of the ebay commissions. I just sold an old lens on e-bay for $40.00. I bought an e-bay mailing label USPS for $14.00. That's a total of $54.00 USD. I was only paid $37.00 after e-bay took its cut. But it's still better than losing the item and my money altogether.

Dale

 

[Meta4]

Unfortunately, it seems as though only dealing through third parties such as eBay can we protect ourselves, but at the high cost of the ebay commissions.

Scammers and scams are everywhere, even on Ebay.
You have to be careful wherever you sell.

 

[Dale D]

Scammers and scams are everywhere, even on Ebay.
You have to be careful wherever you sell.

Yes Meta- - there are scammers everywhere, but on e-bay, the seller (me) must be paid before the merchandise is shopped. Just sold an old lens there this week. It was cheap- an old Vivitar 300mm with Nikon F mount. The bidder tried $30, then $35, then after each refusal, he paid my $40.00. E bay determined USPS to be $14.00 so a total of $40+$14.00=$54.00. I would up with only $37.00 after e-bay commission and shipping. Better than having it just lay there in my drawer forever. But I did not ship until my cost was paid for and in my bank account.!!

Dale
Miami

 

[Meta4]

Yes Meta- - there are scammers everywhere, but on e-bay, the seller (me) must be paid before the merchandise is shopped.

Ebay scammers are more sophisticated than you imagine.

eBay scams exposed! Here's how you can safeguard your online shopping with these simple tips.

The eBay is great for finding that unique item you've been looking for. Don't forget that the platform is full of scammers that may leave you with nothing. Here's how to avoid them.

nordvpn.com

 

[Dale D]

Ebay scammers are more sophisticated than you imagine.

eBay scams exposed! Here's how you can safeguard your online shopping with these simple tips.

The eBay is great for finding that unique item you've been looking for. Don't forget that the platform is full of scammers that may leave you with nothing. Here's how to avoid them.

nordvpn.com

Hey that was great!!! I read it though twice. I never realized about all of these scams. I thank you for sending this.

Dale

 

[jephoto]

The email address the OP mentions, [email protected] is found to be on several scammer pages. Google

Hey GF- what scammer pages are you referring to? Pages that people report names/emails of reported slammers? Have a link or two to share?

 

[tstr14]

Apologies for bumping an old thread but catching and banning scammers is part of my daily life and if I can keep someone from getting scammed, it makes my day.

95% of scams on forums are from scumbags trying to go after those posting Want To Buy type ads. As moderator on a forum with a large classified section, we catch on average a couple scammers a week. Ways to protect yourself:

Ask for photos of the item with a piece of paper with the current date. Then check it for evidence of photo shopping. If the picture is in electronic form, use Google search and Tiny eye to see if you can find the same picture online.

Ask for a video chat. Most scammers will say OK but then come up with a thousand reasons why they can't do it right then. All the time they are offering excuses, they will be trying to con you into sending money.

Never pay via Zelle or Vemo. Neither offer any kind of buyer protection. The same applies for PayPal Friends and Family. If a person refuses regular PayPal, run. In the US, USPS money orders offer some security in that the Post Office can come after the seller for mail fraud, which is a Federal offense.

Pay attention to spelling and word usage if dealing with someone who claims to be in the US or other English speaking countries. Nigerian and other foreign scammers are really bad with their use of English.

Last, don't let greed blind you. If someone if offering a $1000 item for $400, it is almost always a scam. There is nothing wrong with getting a deal on something, just be doubly cautious in such circumstances.

 

[Dbez1]

Thanks tstr14. That’s good information.

 

[mavic3usa]

Never pay via Zelle or Vemo. Neither offer any kind of buyer protection. The same applies for PayPal Friends and Family. If a person refuses regular PayPal, run. In the US, USPS money orders offer some security in that the Post Office can come after the seller for mail fraud, which is a Federal offense.

Also Cash app falls under the Zelle, Venmo, and Paypal F&F do not use list. Not even and especially when you meet FTF.

 

[kentdavidge]

I fell victim to a local scammer. Lost $250 . I was more angry with myself than with the scammer. Why I thought it was a good idea to buy something without any protection? I just sent him the money directly to his bank account , and he immediately blocked me on social media. His information like his location are apparently true but police told me that it could be all fake. Nevertheless I'm taking legal action against him to get my money back (hopefully), he should attend court in March/2025 for mediation.

My advice is never trust someone you don't know. Never buy without protection. I'm now bound to a process that can take up to 2 years and I don't even know if I'm getting my money back. While $250 is frankly not a huge amount for me, I will not accept him getting away with it.

 

[clackey]

I fell victim to a local scammer. Lost $250 . I was more angry with myself than with the scammer. Why I thought it was a good idea to buy something without any protection? I just sent him the money directly to his bank account , and he immediately blocked me on social media. His information like his location are apparently true but police told me that it could be all fake. Nevertheless I'm taking legal action against him to get my money back (hopefully), he should attend court in March/2025 for mediation.

My advice is never trust someone you don't know. Never buy without protection. I'm now bound to a process that can take up to 2 years and I don't even know if I'm getting my money back. While $250 is frankly not a huge amount for me, I will not accept him getting away with it.

Sorry to hear. I assume this was not done in our classifieds. If so, send me the user ID so we can ban him.

 

[kentdavidge]

Sorry to hear. I assume this was not done in our classifieds. If so, send me the user ID so we can ban him.

It was not done through these forums

 

[tstr14]

I deal with scammers on nearly a daily basis. Never - ever send money in an unprotected manner. PayPay (NOT FRIENDS AND FAMILY) offers you protection. Programs like Venmo and Zelle do not. If a seller insists on getting the money in a manner that leaves you no recourse for its return, walk away!

The two most prevalent areas for scammers is social media like Facebook and internet forum WTB ads.

OP, I wish you luck!