A way not to get scammed buying on the trade forum..

[Model29-26.5]

I got the phone number of a guy that I purchased from and called him. Voice to voice.
I have purchased three items through this forum and not been scammed yet.
If someone has an item for sale, you might even request a video call and see them with the actual item so that you know they have it.
They also know that you’ve seen them and have their number.
With all the Folks, I have seen getting scammed on here by these low lives, I cannot imagine any of the honest sellers on here would refuse a video call from someone who wants an honest exchange.
You’ll have each other’s numbers and email addresses.
I know a lot of people like to do business over the Internet with people that they have never met or spoken to, And that is the norm, But in this forum, you might be a little bit more careful.

See how long the guy has been a member and see If they have posted anything in the past.
Request a phone number and maybe a video call with them showing the item.
I certainly wouldn’t be offended if I had something for sale and somebody wanted to speak to me, or see me with it. It was gonna layout hundreds or thousands of dollars..

 

[ladder13]

I deal with long time established members, not those who joined yesterday, it helps.

 

[Model29-26.5]

I deal with long time established members, not those who joined yesterday, it helps.

Yes. Exactly. I’d never buy from a brand new member. I checked every time to see how long they had been members and see if they had posted things that made sense.

 

[Super Trucker]

The only thing I question from the OP is the video call.
Many members here are old (myself included) and might not know how to do a video call (again myself included).

Another suggestion is, be smart with your payment method, many people break a certain payment companies rules trying to save a penny and when something goes wrong they lose their money.
Do your research and pick a method that has recourse available if needed.

 

[SlimJim97]

The only thing I question from the OP is the video call.
Many members here are old (myself included) and might not know how to do a video call (again myself included).............

I wholeheartedly agree with using extreme caution in all dealings on the internet, to include trusted forums. But I also agree wholeheartedly with the above - I would be at a loss if someone wanted to do a "video call", wouldn't have a clue ........

 

[tripledipper]

I generally agree with dealing with established members, but just sold to a new member with absolutely no problems. Had good communications, fast payment.The forum needs some new blood to replace us dinosaurs and an "I'll take it" doesn't discriminate.

 

[Greyman50]

I will never buy again without seeing what I’m buying. Got sent a rusted and pitted M-27 from another member. Pics posted did not show them.
nuf sed.

 

[Xfuzz]

Run their username via the Feedback section...

 

[Model29-26.5]

Re video calling:
WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger.
Anyone who has access to a smartphone or a laptop can do this simply by signing up.
Or simply have them send a picture of themselves with the gun that includes a piece of paper with your name or user name on it.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Not sure what I'm doing right, other than dealing with long-time members. Several guns changed hands, a few knives, never a problem. One member not only resisted a flipper who was trying to horn in on my early response, but he shipped before he received my USPS money order.

Nice group, even though it is impossible to immediately eliminate the occasional bad actor.

 

[glenwolde]

I generally agree with dealing with established members, but just sold to a new member with absolutely no problems. Had good communications, fast payment.The forum needs some new blood to replace us dinosaurs and an "I'll take it" doesn't discriminate.

Selling to a new member is one thing, buying from one is another.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have hearing loss and prefer to see things in print to avoid the chance of misunderstanding someone. FaceTime videos of an item are no problem, I think I have done eight.

 

[Doug M.]

I wholeheartedly agree with using extreme caution in all dealings on the internet, to include trusted forums. But I also agree wholeheartedly with the above - I would be at a loss if someone wanted to do a "video call", wouldn't have a clue ........

*
There can be other security issues with doing this, but sometimes the easy answer is to recruit a grandkid or neighbor's junior high kid.

 

[Frailer]

This thread seems like a perfect opportunity to plug membership in the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association.

Should YOU Join the S&W Collectors Association?

 

[Narragansett]

I have only had 1 incident with a forum member, and it was more of an aggravation than anything else. I bought a gun from a member, paid him what he wanted, and sent the USPS money order he insisted on, and he sent it back with 2.00 for my trouble. He changed his mind.

Ever try to get your money back on a money order made out to someone else?

He was 20 years in the military. He must have been a branch that did not stress honor.

 

[jimmyj]

I was "SCAMED" here on a Ruger Security Six .357 2 3/4" Revolver. i reported it to my local Sheriffs Office, FBI, and Post Office. These agencies did nothing but a information report. I also reported it to the Maryland State Police. This agency assigned a Investigator to the case and He was very good. The "Scammer" confessed that He was part of an organization with the head people a Attorney and a House Wife in a City headquartered in the next city 20 miles from My home. He kept attempting to give the information to My Sheriffs Office but would not contact Him Back. In the mean time the "SCAMMER" died with Cancer.

 

[boykinlp]

I am a long time member here, and have purchased many things here on the forum from members. In fact, sometimes my payment and the item I am buying pass each other in the mail, because the item and check are both immediately sent. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t done all the time, but there is honestly among friends/members. That’s another reason that I love this place!
Larry

 

[Greyman50]

Unsure of what is “ going on” as I purchased from a long time member with good feedback and “ item” is not good, want to return “ it”. Texted and emailed and have heard no reply. Contacted administrator and am still waiting.Before I agreed to purchase I spoke to individual on phone.