I am considering purchasing some pistols online from individuals and have a few question I'm sure many members on here can answer. This is the first time buying like this and just want to make sure I do it correctly.

Buying from an individual and paying with a cashiers check or money order, how can you protect yourself from fraud?

The seller is supposed to take the firearm to his local FFL and ship to mine, is there any recourse if this doen't happen?

Not that anyone would do this nore do I suspect an issue with the people I'm trying to deal with but I am looking to spend a considerable amount of money with someone that I have never met or dealt with and just want to make I have my bases covered.

Thanks in Advance, Kenny

Use Postal Money Orders, if you are ripped off it becomes Mail Fraud (Federal Offense) and the Feds will get involved...

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"Shall not be infringed"

. . .or a direct bank wire transfer to his bank. That way, if he is a fraudster, you have him on wire fraud, which is also a Federal offense. And, they will know exactly where to look for the money. . .


Bullseye

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

I've purchased two from Forum members on line and had the same concerns. So far I've been pleased with both transactions. One suggestion is to visit the part of this site that rates sellers on the experiences of buyers. Hope this helps.

Postal Money Orders are no more secure than a MO from Wal Mart or 7-11 That's a mis conception.

You are dealing with an individual most probably in another State. You really have no recourse if it goes bad. To try and fight a bad deal across States is very difficult and costs a lot of money. Only deal with someone you are sure of, ask for references of past dealings.

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Still Running Against the Wind

If buying more than one firearm, buy multiple USPS MO's. One firearm per money order. Yes, it will cost you a few dollars more to do it this way. But the flip side is if the seller absconds with your money he is facing MULTIPLE charges of mail fraud. You will tend to get the postal inspectors attention faster by saying "He stole 10 money orders from me" as opposed to saying "He stole A money order from me".

Class III

re: "Mail Fraud (Federal Offense) and the Feds will get involved..."

I've read several instances where that belief proved to be simply another myth.

It's a very low-priority issue with the USPS according to those who have posted their melodrama.

I've never had an issue but the anxiety and uneasy anticipation on more than one occasion has left me to the point of *not* doing such except with brick&morter licensed FFL etc.

The vast majority of deals have never been an issue, but a few where each day added the my own level of stress just wasn't pleasant.

Good luck in your dealings.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

First off Thanks for all the replies.

So how about if I get the seller to agree to me mailing the USPS money order made out to the seller to his local FFL dealer, have them give the seller the money order when the FFL dealer has the gun in hand.

Would this be a better way to handle this?

Only reason I have any concerns is I was burned on an Ebay deal a couple of years ago for $1000, been real leary of online dealings ever since.

Online deals require patience, faith & good communications. If you lack any of these, forget it. Send only the amount of money you can afford to lose.
Having said this, I have done many online deals & they range from great to disasters. You pays your money & takes your chances!

That isn't any better than sending direct. There are no guarantees when dealing with a stranger on the internet. If your gut is giving you a bad feeling about the deal, walk away.

Whatever you are buying, it is a cinch there is more than that one example for sale.

It's not that anyone I am trying to deal with right now is giving me bad vibes, it's just the $1000 hit I took a couple years ago has me leary of ANY online dealings, especially on a fire arm.

100% true! Been there.....Done that.......Got no satisfaction. If buying from someone on a auction site such as AA or GB. Buy only from someone who has LOTS of GOOD feedback. If from a non auction type dealer, make it a large well known one. Individual? uh-uh sorry no way.

That faith thing is difficult when it comes to human interaction. I am not willing to stand on that ledge. I'd rather go to a gunshow and pester everybody "whatyagotwhatyaneedtogetferit? Half the fun, the other half is gloating about a score or crankin' about getting took. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I have dealt with one or two of the members of this forum and have not had a problem. One of the things I look for is how long and how active they have been on the forum. I dont post much but I do read the forum quite a lot. I would say that the vast majority of this site are fine upstanding people. Look at the trade feedback that will give you a good idea of ones integrity.

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shoot one gun but shoot it well

I have purchased 2 handguns on this forum and did not have any problem. I tried to purchase another one but a 3rd person was involved,he was the one to do the shipping and he had some difficulties at his end. Long story but I cancelled the deal with the seller and he returned my uncashed USPS money order. I will say that the seller and I had great communication through out the deal.
I purchased 2 others on another forum and had great dealings. One other transaction for another was off an auction site,again no problems.

On auction sites try to deal with people who have a lot of good feedback and offer an inspection and return plan. Usually 3 days.

Usually forums with a classified section such as here will bend over backwards to help you all they can if something goes wrong. As others have said a great group of people on here.

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U.S.A.F---E-7--Retired

If you buy from GB and deal with a FFL with lots of good feedback you are reasonably safe. I have made two purchases from GB and I was very pleased with both guns.

A lot of good advice/insight here, but to me, this post sums it up... No matter what anyone says, buying a gun online is a leap of faith. You send the seller the money order (no real recourse...) THEN, they send you the gun... There are things you can do to increase the likelihood of an acceptable transaction, but there are degrees of risk.

I've bought quite a few guns online. I'm usually more motivated by getting the piece I want, than the concern of someone ripping me off. The best thing about buying online is having nationwide access to the guns you want; awesome... Of course, I do some things to increase my odds of not getting ripped off.

I have never had anyone take my money, without delivering the goods (came close once, but was tenacious about pushing to get the situation resolved...) But, I have been ripped off by less than described condition. Usually, this comes in the form of a seller not acknowledging a flaw(s). This is very upsetting, when a person lacking in integrity does something like that, but there is really very little you can do about it. Some people are either ignorant, malicious, or both... So, make sure you get good pictures. Also, talk to the seller, ask a lot of questions, and if it does not feel right, tell the person, and don't do the deal. It has to be right for both parties, and a reputable seller will understand this fact.

On the couple of occasions when I've received a gun that did not meet my expectations, I have to admit I was probably not diligent enough on getting more pictures, or investigating/asking questions. On the flip side, I've got guns that are in better than described condition.

I have to say, most true gun collectors are top notch people, and very honest about what they have. I think the trick is to be patient, and try to buy from that type of person.

There is much less angst when you can buy a gun locally, but again, buying online opens up to so many more/better options.

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NRA Life Member

Not according to a couple of Postal Inspectors I've asked about it. I hope to never find out firsthand whether it's true or not...

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"Shall not be infringed"