I recently tried to sell a gun on Gunbroker. I have sold a few guns there, but nothing recent. When I clicked on the "Sell you item" title, I was asked to answer four questions. The first question was related to which company held my mortgage back in 2009. Another question was related to which company I had a car loan with back in 2010. There were two other questions included, which related to the other two. Since the questions were dated, I didn't wasn't sure about the answer to one of the questions. Apparently I answered one of them incorrectly. The following message then appeared:

Your account has been flagged by the GunBroker.com security system as suspect. The information you entered could not be verified by our service.
In order to verify your identity send us a copy of your driver's license and a current utility bill. Please fax this information to 770-573-3671.
If you have further questions please contact customer support about your account.

I contacted customer support, and my message read as follows:
I would like to list a gun for sale but am being asked to verify my identity by answering questions regarding personal financial information. I am suspect when someone asks for any type of personal financial information. In addition, the information I am being asked to verify is several years old, and out of date. Please provide a phone number so that I can speak with a customer service representative.

Their reply:
We do not offer telephone support at this time. If you wish to list an item on the site, you will need to forward the required documnentation. Please review our standard response below:

The contact information you entered was run though a verification service and the information could not be verified. You will need to send us a copy of your driver’s license and a current utility bill in order to verify your identity.You can fax it to 770-573-3671.

My reply:
I have been a buyer and a seller here at Gunbroker for several years. In fact, I have recently bid on an auction within the last 4 to 6 weeks and was not asked to verify my identity. This is the first time I have ever been asked to supply personal information. As I noted in my previous e-mail, this request seems highly suspicious to me. I would like to continue to do business here at Gunbroker, but must insist on some personal contact before supplying the requested information.

Their reply:
Sir, we do not provide telephone support at this time. If you wish to list an item on the site you will need to provide the required documentation. You may fax the information or forward to: [email protected]

Sorry for being so long winded, but I wanted to lay some groundwork for my question. Has anyone else run into this same issue, and if so did you fax your drivers license and utility bill to the number listed? With identity theft being such a big issue these days, I am very concerned about faxing this type information.

This sounds like a phishing scam. I have never been asked for this type of information by GunBroker.com. This is highly suspect. I would NOT send anymore information to GunbBroker until you get to the bottom of this. Your DL and utility bill are exactly what an Identy Theft organization/person needs to get into your accounts. Pls read this from GunBroker website: GunBroker.com - Help Center

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Bob

Hi, I had the same problem a few weeks ago. Wanted the same info, I didn't provide the information they wanted. Shortly after that they billed me a $2 fee! They had my old Visa card info, so couldn't access my account. They still bill me for the $2, needless to say I can do without gunbroker. Dave

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Dave

Front page at top of Gunbroker reads: * Warning! Email Phishing Scam: Click here for more information *

Click the link and it's a warning updated 8/5/2011 concerning Fradulent/Phishing emails.

I was wondering whey they asked me where my underwear was made...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I was also thinking that its a phishing scam, but I can't find a way to contact Gunbroker to report the problem. The only e-mail address I can find is their customer service people. The same people asking for the drivers license.

Seems odd, since GunBroker is only interested in their commission and not much else. They handle complaints about like e-bay. I quit doing business with outfits like that.

A familiar miasma is clogging up my sinuses. I also have not sold anything on BrokeGunner for some time. If it really is them asking these kinds of questions, then they are history for me. I run silent and deep when it comes to my personal information and it makes some store clerks very grumpy when I refuse Zip Code, telephone and email. If they are dumb enough to ask twice I give them " Do you want to make a sale or not?" with my special evil eye.

db is correct! It is a scam and there is a warning right at the top of the GB home page when you log on. This is not GB's fault, someone else has perpetrated the scam. GB is not alone here as these scams are very popular these days with all internet websites. I would bet there are MANY of us here that have had credit card numbers or identities stolen. The perpetrators keep reinventing themselves and are very resourceful.

Chief38

Phishing.

That link they gave you to send the information? It doesn't go to Gunbroker...

Good info. I will exclude Gunbroker from any future transactions.

I just got the same verification questions, didn't answer. I e-mailed customer service, I'll let you know what happens. I'm trying to sell one too.

From Gunbroker's website:
"Our email notifications will include the first and last name you registered with on your GunBroker.com account, and your GunBroker.com User Name"

Did the email you received contain your first and last name, and your user name? If not, it most likely did not come from Gunbroker.

Another thought - was the credit card you have registered with Gunbroker reported as lost or stolen, or has it expired?

It looks like wantmoresmiths may be communicating with someone pretending to be Gunbroker. You might want to wait for confirmation before making that decision.

FWIW, I just now logged in to Gunbroker and went through the motions of listing a gun for sale, and was not asked for any verification information.

One additional warning. There are now computer viruses that can take over your computer to the point where if you click on the email link at the Gunbroker web site you will get re-directed to the Phishing site.

I would advise that you use another computer to try and access your gunbroker account. If everything seems to work properly from the clean computer, you'll need to have your normal computer disinfected. BTW, some of these viruses are so nasty the best option may be to purchase a new hard drive and re-install everything from scratch on that clean empty hard drive.

Tip for the future. Install two hard drives and use drive "ghosting" software to make a duplicate of your primary hard drive that is an exact bootable copy of that clean primary hard drive. Then unplug that copy to keep it clean, nothing keeps a clean install clean like not having it connected. That way if something like this ever happens again you have a perfectly clean back up ready to go. Naturally, you could lose some data if you haven't been keeping backups of that data, however this can be avoided by keeping your data backed up. BTW, I like dated CD's for doing this because I can consider the potential for infected data by using the date of the backup.

The notice did not come in the form of an e-mail. It popped up as part of their site.

I found a mailing address for Gunbroker on their site, so today I sent a letter, by US mail, detailing the situation. I asked that they provide a specific contact person with whom I can discuss the situation. I also asked what prompted the request for identity verification. I'll let you know when and if I receive a reply.

I would not hold my breath if I were you. Information gatherers do not feel they have any need to justify their requests.

Edited to add:

There may be something real going on at GB. I just looked at an auction and the seller was described as "Verified" with a green check mark icon. Perhaps GB are fed up with getting abuse from ripped off buyers and sellers so they are trying to nail down where folk are. If you live in the boonies and have only a PO box address you may find you are SOL with them from now on.

Not too long ago at least one ripoff artist was operating here in Las Vegas. His address was a mailbox business with a low number box making it look like an apartment address. Simple and effective, at least for a while.

Three years ago I bought a pistol through Gunbroker that the seller misrepresented as being in new condition, possibly unfired, when in fact it was clearly used, and with dented magazines to boot.

The seller was uncooperative and evasive when I tried to resolve the problem, and when I contacted GunBroker, their position was that their only responsibility is to provide a forum for sellers and buyers to contact each other, and they would not get involved beyond that. I haven't bought anything through GunBroker since, nor will I.

Having said that, it sounds like this situation is a "phishing" scheme. It pays to be suspicious! I like to think of the Internet as an unknown neighborhood in a strange city: I always maintain high situational awareness.

What about Gunsamerica? I tried to register and received a notification that since I had a "free" email address (Yahoo) I needed to send a dollar. On my credit card, of course.

Nah, I'll pass.

Does anyone actually pay for an email addy anymore?

It would sure be nice if you could actually talk to a human being!

Today I received an e-mail with an account statement from Gunbroker actually charging me $2.00 for the identity verification.

No, this is from Gunbroker. It's their new program. They run you in Equifax, and they charge you $2.00 for it.

What isn't clear is whether they then report your information back to Equifax.

http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/sh...fax-to-sign-up

That "770" prefix is a GA phone-number. Is GB located there? Reverse look-up said this is a Broadwing
Communications LLC number.

__________________
GA 2A member
Vietnam Vet

Does this help?
Gunbroker.com address (sort of - it's a PO box) and phone number.

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In dog years I'm dead.

It's a lot worse than anyone has discussed.

They use an Equifax system called Eidverifier.

From Equifax:

Equifax eIDverifier™ has the reliable answer
you’re looking for

To help you answer this question, Equifax has developed Equifax eIDverifier,™ a unique and patented online authentication tool that takes identification beyond fraud checks and data matching, using ‘shared secret’ information known only by the consumer and Equifax.

Two simple steps is all it takes

Through a simple two-step process, Equifax eIDverifier™ verifies the residency and identity of an applicant, and also checks for discrepancies by cross checking the name and address information supplied against a number of industry leading databases.

Step 1
Equifax eIDverifier™ verifies an applicant’s residency and cross
checks any identity elements supplied by the applicant by running checks against a number of industry leading databases.

Step 2
Using ‘shared secret’ information known only by the potential
customer and Equifax, Equifax eIDverifier™ presents the applicant with multiple-choice questions to answer online.

___________________________________

Turns out, when they verify you, it appears on your credit report.

https://www.edeposit.com/docs/help_equifax.cfm

Equifax Identity Verification performs several checks, including social security and driver’s license number, as well as home address and telephone number verifications. In addition, a soft inquiry is made into the customer’s credit file to verify a person’s identity by asking a few very specific questions that only the true individual can answer about themselves, such as past home address, names of mortgage banks, amount of monthly loan installments, etc.

FAQs : Personal & Business Finance Services : Provident Bank of NJ

Will this affect my credit rating?
The Equifax Identity Verification system will not affect your credit rating; it simply makes a soft inquiry into your credit file.

What is a soft inquiry?
A soft inquiry is used to verify information on your credit record with the information provided on the application form. It does not reveal any personal credit information to eIDverifier . When looking at your next credit report, you will see an inquiry from eIDverifier on the date you opened your account.
___________________________________

Since Gunbroker does not tell you that they are running an Equifax report on you and does not give you an option to decline, and since they have presumably done this to thousands of customers, these guys are looking at a world of exposure and governmental penalties. If someone is looking in your credit file, they need explicit consent.

I encourage anyone hurt by this to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.go...x?Lang=en#last

Tag: Equifax Extended Verification $2.00 Gunbroker.com GBHOLDCO GB Holdco, Inc. GB Investments

Machete, thanks for posting "the rest of the story here"...you've done us all a huge favor, and validated my decision not to deal with or through GB anymore.

....which might be hidden way in the depths of their terms of service. I have yet to look, but if it is not there then they have at the very least been badly advised.

Here's some additional news.

Gunbroker uses Equifax for their Extended Verification.

Steven Urvan owns Gunbroker. The corporate counsel and corporate secretary for many of Steve Urvan's ventures is Kimberly Verska.

Kimberly Verska is married to Stephen Verska. Know where Stephen Verska works?

Why, he's a vice president of Equifax.

Stephen Verska, Vp, Equifax Inc. | Spoke

Stephen Verska | Equifax | Email @equifax.com

Are they doing this to buyers as well as sellers?

Andy

Having bought one or two items on G-B, my participation is
based on my trust that bad things won't happen. I've never handed
out financial information to ANY one on the net, and won't be
doing so in the future, either. Trust is a two-way street, & that's IT!
They want my info, they'll have to do without my presence. TACC1

Gunbroker's terms of service spell all this out.

You might find this little exchange on the Gunbroker forums interesting for its brevity.

GunBroker.com Message Forums - ACCOUNT FLAGGED????

I have had similar experiences. You cannot talk to anyone. This guy should be out of business. I thought Directtv customer service was bad, GB customer service should be poster child for what customer service should NOT be!

AS for zip code I don't have a problem giving that out, but if they ask for the rest of the information I nicely, the first time, tell them they don't need that information. If they ask a second time I walk.

Remember when you used to go places to buy things with cash or maybe a check? It seems like there's no places to go to find what you want, other than the net. Maybe we used to do without if we couldn't find it. I am still following the advice from another post and driving to my LGS for everything. I usually have to order through them, but they seem happy to have the business even if they don't like what I'm buying. They better be nice, I pay cash.

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Hold on. SWAT's at my door.

This is the reason why I have never done any online auction gun sites. I have enough gun forums that I go to with members' with either high seller ratings or high post count to make a decision of who to trust and who not to trust. I already bought two Smith's here and most likely from now on, the only place to buy Smith's. Who needs GunBroker anyway?

James

Eye opening.

Any similar problems with budsgunshop?

I was a member of the FFA back when and raised first calf heifers to sell. I learned a lot from cattle dealers (who have this down to an art form) that applies to gun sales. Cash talks. Show the $ as you're asking for the best price. It shows the seller (1) you have the cash, and (2) you're serious about making a deal. There's something psychological about a person thumbing through a wad of bills that triggers the sellers impulse to deal. No checks, no credit cards, no waiting for his money, cash in hand now.

They asked for my DL and utility bills when I first tried to open an account, about six months ago.

I was wanting to see ended auction sell prices, and had to create an account first.

I never bowed to their wishes.

I would not give this information just to be able to buy and sell on GunBroker............

They SHOULD NOT be asking for this info, just to use an online gun listing site? No way, the transactions are between the buyer and seller, and all GunBroker needs is a credit card on file to charge you IF you have a "seller's account". If you just want to buy, you shouldn't have to provide anything. GunBroker is only a "middleman" to connect sellers and buyers, they have no active hand in the transaction. I don't see why they need to verify financial information.

It may be an effort to stop "shill bidding" or ripoff artists, but still, there's got to be another way.

If it came down to it, I would just stop using GB, I probably should anyway..........

been dealing with gunbroker for years and never had a problem with them.

this sounds like something outside of the GB world...beware.

Machete, thanks for the eye opening information about GB. I don't think I need their services anymore.

_________
James

I just came a cross this thread from way back while running a google search to see if anyone had the same problem: I moved cross-country, went to update my address and had my account flagged with the requirement to send in this information. For the privilege of using their site. No more GB for me, but somehow I think my life will go on...

l wouldn't trust any on-line seller that doesn't have a phone number with a live, intelligent human being at the other end.

Just purchased another SW thru gunbroker. I have moved and have a new email address. Thought I should show GB those changes. They flagged my account and ask for DL and utility bill. Last buy from them. Contacted customer service thru email and got the old do as we say is the only way. bye bye Gb

Boy, am I glad I found this thread. I wanted to list some parts for sale on GB and encountered the whole verification mess. After dealing with the nightmare of my wife's identity being hijacked, I was hesitant to send copies of things like my drivers license. Apparently I was right to be suspicious. I'll be darned if I'll give them any more info than they already have and won't be using them for anything more than anonymous price comparisons.

GunBroker asks for data to protect your account.
When a long dormant account becomes active, or the mail or email address is changed, they want to verify the account so that they are sure your account was not hacked.

How many of you would be screaming "Gunbroker should do more checking!" if you sent funds to a fraudulent seller using a hacked account?

A fraudulent buyer using your account could also cause you a lot of grief if he managed to change the shipping address for non-gun items, which can quickly add up to thousands.

You SHOULD be cautious.
But giving GB your data is no worse than giving it to anyone else you deal with online, like banks, insurance companies, or retailers.

Bottom line-
If you want to deal online, some people will want to know who you are. If you can't handle that, order catalogs and mail your orders with a check, or get in the car.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

So, did you tell them?

__________________
CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

If GunBroker.com had a decent customer service department it might be a good company, but it doesn’t. I wanted to bid on a Springfield M1A, so I registered. It was approved, and then it was disapproved. My contact information was “invalid.” I rechecked what I had entered and it was correct, so I sent a note to customer service asking for assistance. Nine hours later they replied that my contact information was “invalid.” With only three hours left for the auction I replied again that my info was correct and provided address and phone number. 24 hours later I sent another note. Three days later they replied that “General Delivery” was not a valid address. I notified customer service that “General Delivery” was the only mail service available for my area. There is no delivery to houses for thousands of people here and the wait list for PO Boxes is more than a year. My driver's license shows General Delivery, my credit cards are registered here, and my eBay and PayPal are registered here. Their next reply was that they can’t verify my address and Hawaii is not a gun friendly state. And if I can get a gun dealer to vouch for me and provide their license number, then GunBroker won’t report me to BATFE to investigate. All the other companies I deal with verified my address, including GunsAmerica, so I’m keeping my business there. Now I’m not surprised that GunBroker.com is rated “F” by BBB.

Yea, If only they were that diligent about fake sellers and bad returns or other issues. People( sellers) differ there but the business end stinks as far as Im concerned. They want their money and then sorry its your problem. My .02 . Good luck Bob