Scammed - UPDATE in first post

[cmj8591]

You might want to check with Gun Broker. They may reimburse a certain amount of your loss if fraud is involved.

Rereading your post you don't mention that you used Gun Broker but most gun auction sites have some type of fraud protection.

 

[S&WIowegan]

Very sorry to learn of your disappointment. I have always been extremely cautious and only do business with forum members and a very few people on Gun Broker or Gun Auction. Years ago I bid on a Desert Eagle 50AE with a starting bid of $750.; no one else bid so I won???? Not so fast.....the guy must have been disappointed or something because he and his gun just disappeared. No loss to me.

I have had some minor disappointments with Forum member deals and one instance that really angered me. The gun he sold me was grossly worse than his description and also badly packed so the gun could get rub damage. I complained to him and called him out. He actually recruited other forum members to defend him. I eventually decided to keep the gun so he couldn't resell to another victim. That really puzzled him. He has since disappeared from the forum so I imagine he had other disappointed customers.

 

[serger]

A USPS money order, with some effort and communication, yes. A bank or store money order, highly doubtful - the USPS will not get involved, sadly.

That depends on how the congressional investigation into the
inspection services actions regarding the case goes.

 

[moosedog]

I'm thinking Armslist. High scam rate on that site.

 

[Pizza Bob]

First, thanks everybody for the kind words and commiseration. My detective friend is going to check with the Idaho PD again next week to see what has transpired. If there is anything to add, I'll update this thread.

You may have noticed I have a second thread going about this topic - wondering if the other victim from Texas was a board member.

Now for some specific responses:

Might I assume it wasn't listed on Gunbroker?

No it wasn't Gun Broker, but it was a major auction site and one through which I have purchased before.

In my research I did a search of their site to see if this seller had any other listings. He did - he had a Glock listed. I notified the site that I had filed a complaint for Grand Theft and Fraud against the seller, and, to their credit, they deleted his account - which is about all that is within their power to do.

Sorry for your trouble, Bob, you don't deserve it. It's no solace, but I would speak to my tax guy and see if I could list it as a bad debt on my income tax filing, whatever the year is. Worth a shot. All good wishes,

Thanks, I had the same thought and will check with my accountant - every little bit helps.

If you sent the MO via the mail it was mail fraud. Contact the postal inspectors.

Not only was it sent via the USPS it was tracked (Priority mail?) and it was a USPS MO. While doing my legal research this thought also crossed my mind. I went as far as securing the Postmaster's name for the PO. I have not followed through on that because with two other federal agencies, now involved it would kind of be like "carrying coals to New Castle" (probably really dated myself with that cliche). Still an option though - we'll see after next week's report.

... most gun auction sites have some type of fraud protection.

Thanks. I will check into that.

I'm thinking Armslist. High scam rate on that site.

No, not Armslist either. I am aware of the high "scam-rate" on that site and will only do FTF deals from that site. Not sure why I'm being so secretive - it wasn't the site's fault. It was Guns America.

I didn't make the initial post to scare people into not using the Internet auction sites, or to demonstrate the evil that lurks out there. I did post it to remind everyone to take all possible precautions when involved in a transaction like this. Call me an optimist, but I still believe in the basic goodness of people - if I didn't I doubt that I'd ever leave the house. So as I said, take heed and be careful.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[rwsmith]

Well, I'd say......

Well, I'd say that you poked the right hornet's nest. I hope you get something but hopefully it will slow down his actions on other people.

 

[Igiveup]

Thank You for posting this. We can all learn or at least be reminded to be careful when doing business on these "for sale" sites.

 

[Nightowl]

Thanks for the reminder and I'm sorry that you have had this experience. We all are fighting the odds on this one. I have bought several guns off here and GunBroker and have been a little nervous a couple of times. I bought two guns which were not exactly as I thought they would be, finish wise, but both were bought worth the money, even with the warts, and I have kept them both.

The problem with these scammers is that they never go to jail. If charges are filed, you may have to take a vacation to Idaho to testify!!

 

[Borderboss]

I have bought several guns off here and GunBroker and have been a little nervous a couple of times. I bought two guns which were not exactly as I thought they would be, finish wise, but both were bought worth the money, even with the warts, and I have kept them both.

In these situations, as the buyer we have the opportunity to ask questions and seek better photos before pulling the trigger (no pun intended). I've done the same thing and been pleasantly surprised, and also not so pleasantly surprised. But both were on me for not asking the right questions.

 

[Joed49]

Sorry you were taken in. At least the grifter was caught but lets see if he does prison time. I doubt you'll see any money back at all, that's what usually happens.

About the only good thing is if the grifter goes to prison he will not have missed one day of work. What is wrong with these people?

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Sorry about the scam, I hope that it does not cause you any hardship. I have yet to buy a firearm on the internet - even from a party as credible as Bud's Gun shop - I guess that it will still be a bit longer now.

 

[Dieseltech56]

I got pretty nervous on one of my last GB purchases. Turns out the seller was old and not very up to speed with computers or typing. Everything worked out perfect in the end but anymore if I'm not buying locally I won't bid or contact any individuals selling guns. If it's not an FFL or coming from one I won't deal. I see the problem with thoroughly asking questions and more pictures. If you haggle too long someone else might come along and buy it before you.

And another thing, of all the ways you could scam someone why on earth would anyone choose firearms as the bait? You really think you're gonna get away with ripping someone off over a firearm? Oh well, that's just my thought, apparently it happens a lot.

 

[Jerry in SC]

I am really sorry to hear about it...

With all the information you have, a USPS Postal Inspector will work with you on the case. The FBI only gets involved if the amount exceeds $10,000, which they have already done. The chances of getting any restitution are near zero.

 

[serger]

Bob,

The inspection service loves this type of case.
The document trail is all in house except for
the perps cashing the MO. It also enhances
their 96%+ conviction rate.

It's nice how the Bad Guy's wets himself
when the little gray men, in little gray suits,
driving little gray cars with blackwall tires open
the back car door after cuffing him on the way
to the FEDERAL lock up.

 

[murphydog]

"It was Guns America."

When you mentioned auctions and sales in one, I thought that was probably the site. In the similar circumstances I mentioned above this was also the site in question, and due to this and other circumstances related to their operations I no longer use them.

 

[Glenn54]

Thanks Pizza Bob for sharing your story about this scammer. I hate it that this happened to you. Also hope they put this scumbag away for a long time. I feel sure you have saved others from being scammed by sharing your story.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

Just another reason why I love animals and generally hate people. Everyone on this site has been stellar to deal with and get help/advice from.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

I do hope you get some satisfaction when all is said and done.

 

[wundudnee]

I once got a message from a guy on another forum asking me if I was selling a rather scarce model Winchester .22 I had. He had placed a wanted to buy request for that particular model. The supposed seller had sent him a picture of my rifle and the buyer recognized my rifles picture so he e-mailed me and asked me if I was selling it. I told him no, so he contacted the seller and asked for another picture from a different angle. I guess it got pretty quiet after that. I think he lifted the picture off Wikipedia.

 

[Gunhacker]

Even though you have two other Federal agencies involved, I'd get the USPS involved as well as maybe dropping a tip to the IRS about this guy and the likelihood of non reporting of all of that income... I myself would want as big of a manure storm to hit the guy as possible, for his "enjoyment" and mine.