Any Security Issues With On-Line Gun Auction Sites?

[Cheesemonger]

Hi All,
Recently I have been considering making a handgun purchase from what I believe is a very well known on-line site. My concern began when I attempted to register and was "instructed" to pay a $1 fee for the "right" to conduct business on their site because my e-mail service is free?! They also wanted credit card information as verification of my intent to pay for any purchase! As the majority of the sellers are willing to accept USPS money orders, why must i provide CC information? Is this some sort of scam?
Has anyone done this and have had problems? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[arjay]

Yes and no problems.Ive had an acct with them for years.I believe the CC is a way of proving you are who you claim to be.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

I have never heard of that business with the credit cards. I do business with 3 different auction sites and have never had to register with a credit card or pay a fee.

You don't list the site so I can't relate to your question but based on your post, I don't think I would deal with them.

 

[Grayfox]

Sounds fishy to me, but its hard to know without more info. Did you try to sign up as a buyer or seller? Which site is this?

 

[Sconnie]

I have only registered on Gunbroker. If you want to use a free email address I think it requires what you are talking about. If you use an ISP email address it does not. I think that was how it went and why I used my ISP based email address. Seems like I started the process with a free email address and I bumped into the credit card requirement which was not going to happen. Changed it and all was good.

Never have bought anything off of there but just in case... I just lurk some of the others.

Well, that isn't true. There is another one called proxibid which is more than just gun auctions. They required the credit card to bid and I did it because a local, to me auction place had a small gun auction that I was planning to bid in. That auction site you have to be aware that you will pay a % auction fee over and above the winning bid. I believe that is how general auctions do it these days. At least in my area although I don't tend to go to a lot of auctions these days. I should, they are fun but it never fails that ONE other person has their sights set on what I want.

As for being a seller, I have no experience on what is required.

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

security issues with online gun auction sites

Gunbroker is the only one that I know that requires a dollar fee and a CC for identification. The dollar is on your account and is shown on the yearly audit of their site. I have been purchasing on Gunbroker for years and never had a problem. They are a secured site for the most part. However, You need to be carefull when bidding on a item. Check out the seller and see how many sales he or she has on the site. They have been known for phoney individuals that try and sell an item that is not authentic. I have purchased 17 firearms from them and never had a problem.

Nick

 

[H Richard]

I use a Comcast email, and have never had to list any Cr Card with either Gunbroker or Auction Arms, (the only two I normally deal with). If you register with Proxibid, which is an "Live Auction" producer, you will be required to list a Cr Card as they are guaranteeing that when you bid you will actually buy it. Literally all on line "live" auctions do charge anywhere from 12% to 18% "Buyers Premium" for the capability of attending the auction from the comfort of your home. You will also be charged for shipping over and above this. But, if you want access to some outstanding fine guns, it may be your only access.

 

[Cheesemonger]

Thanks for the feedback! the sites are:
1.) Gun Broker
2.) Gun Auction. Com

 

[yaktamer]

As long as their server isn't in some gal's basement in Chappaqua I think you are OK.

 

[arjay]

I've used both sites for years,buying and selling,with no problems.The $1 on your CC is if you register with a web based email acct.