BEWARE! I got ripped off

[vintovka]

Scamming seems to be increased after the new 1099k rules took effect ($599 max ?). As small sellers become aware they stop accepting traceable payments such as CC, PayPal ect and all the protections they offer. This impacts the secondary sale market redirecting payments to unprotected/untraceable venues which is an open invitation to fraud. In essence the gov't/irs may be "co conspirator's." FWIW I predict many shocked folks next January.

 

[vintovka]

One of the posts above mentioned some of these scam sites have positive approval ratings. It is my understanding that these “positive reviews” are bogus, too, submitted by people affiliated with the scammer.

reviews can be helpful, but they can also be falsified.

I try not to carry a burden of hate, but I make an exception for these crooks.

Notchy Bob

I have seen faked positives on more sophisticated sites. Some are saying scammers are actual foreign groups sponsored and possibly organized by their governments. Give the amount of $$ i have little reason to doubt it.

 

[Crane Senior]

I did a search for percussion caps and a couple of sites came up stating the had caps for sale. The site I ordered from was discountfirearmandammo.com The had a $100 minimum. The #11 caps were $4.95 per 100. They required payment by way of cash app or Zelle. I sent $135. No shipment, no reply to phone messages, no reply to emails. There are others pulling this scam, too. I was so anxious to get some caps that I placed the order trusting them but once you send money via Zelle, there is no recourse. I got ripped for the $135 and learned a hard lesson. Hope I can help prevent others from falling for this dishonest scammer.

I also found those folk when looking for primers. As soon as I saw the minimum order and Zelle it started to look like a scam to me. Send my money through a wire transfer, no thanks. Did a little investigation and sure enough it is a scam. The old adage of "If it seems too good to be true it probably isn't" and Buyer Beware and so applicable. Sorry you got ripped off.

 

[BozoMiller]

I only use PayPal, very good customer support. These scammers are slick. I purchased (so I thought) Big Green Egg for $100 with free shipping. I was thinking that's too good of a deal, but whatever. Used PayPal by the way. Got tracking info from this company, I firured they shipped it. Got a ups notice it had been delivered. Nothing, so I looked at the ups sight and it said there was a 1 pound parcel delivered to me. Tht Green Eggs weigh over 100 pounds, something is not right. Called ups couldn't get through on hold for half hour plus. Then I called PayPal got through talked to a guy he called ups they said nothing was delivered. Got my money back happy ending for me. If it looks too good to be true well then it most likely is,.

 

[beyu]

A good procedure is — if you find what you THINK is a good source for percussion caps, powder; anything you need — save the site, back out and go research the vendor.

A good way to start is; type in the name of the vendor, and then — type a comma and the word COMPLAINTS. If there is a problem with the vendor, you will find out pretty quick. It's better than looking for reviews, because sometimes the thief creates his own good reviews.

I have come close to getting ripped off too, but this has saved me.

 

[Snydly]

try turning it over to your better business bureau.

 

[Smokybob]

Alphexfirearms.com was a scam but it was recently taken down. I was scammed for $266 worth of powder. If you come across these sites report them to the FTC, the FBI and the ATF.

 

[Stantheman86]

If ANY seller demands you use any kind of 3rd party payment, run, run far away.

 

[RA22]

I posted a comment on Muzzle Loaders, looking for a Civil War rifle and received two referrals. Both turned out to be total scams. Just an FYI, before relying on Gunbroker.com for a purchase, make sure you read their "Buyer Protection Program". It's VERY limited.

 

[MikeMyDay]

If anyone in the Northern Virginia area is in dire need of #11 caps I can let them have a couple of hundred, no charge. Got to meet up though, as they can't be mailed. I'm in Woodbridge (near Manassas and Fairfax) and don't mind a reasonable drive.

 

[oldhunter1954]

Any businesses that only accept Zelle or cash apps should never be used. You have no recourse.
I'd consider finding their physical address and reporting them to the local police or district attorney.

I had a guy give me his address and phone once. Phone was a burner and the address was a vacant building. So glad I did not take a change on him. You might also find out the person is out of the country.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Thanks for sharing your expereince. Sorry you got hit! I almost order from that site!! I tried calling and ended up talking to someguy who sounded Like "Number Five Alive"! I tried tracing the address etc and everything is u in smoke. I though, Boy, just lucked out not ordering form these thieves! Ther are several sites that have minimum ordering etc and strange payments, supposedly to making shipping easier and to give you options for payment. BULL, those payment methods are virtually impossible to track or reverse! DO NOT buy from any place that takes them (IMHO) Stick with std methods and you will be much better off.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I had a guy give me his address and phone once. Phone was a burner and the address was a vacant building. So glad I did not take a change on him. You might also find out the person is out of the country.

Yes! A littel up from due diligence and snooping always pays off!

 

[Crowtalks]

I only use PayPal, very good customer support. These scammers are slick. I purchased (so I thought) Big Green Egg for $100 with free shipping. I was thinking that's too good of a deal, but whatever. Used PayPal by the way. Got tracking info from this company, I firured they shipped it. Got a ups notice it had been delivered. Nothing, so I looked at the ups sight and it said there was a 1 pound parcel delivered to me. Tht Green Eggs weigh over 100 pounds, something is not right. Called ups couldn't get through on hold for half hour plus. Then I called PayPal got through talked to a guy he called ups they said nothing was delivered. Got my money back happy ending for me. If it looks too good to be true well then it most likely is,.

Paypal is good...but be very careful about using Paypal for firearm related purchases.

Paypal is anti-firearms/2nd amendment.

Sometimes you see someone on a forum or site that wants to use Paypal "friends and family" for you to send them the payment. There is no tracking through Paypal for this method and if you are scammed, you won't get your funds back.

If the seller is a friend, or reputable, then it is OK, but that is another avenue for scam, so be careful.

I bought a BP pistol via this forum and used Paypal friend and family because I knew the seller was a long time member/supporter and had a good rep and we also corresponded via email before the buy.

I read of another member here that got ripped off using the same method because the seller's account got highjacked by some scum and the buyer got ripped off.

 

[Kenn]

Your description shouted "scam." Apparently, the site is only six months old, & I must admit that at first blush it appears legitimate. However, you mentioned a minimum purchase amount (DING) & a required third party for payment (DING). Right away it'd have my radar sending alarms. Sorry for your loss; for sure you're not alone!

 

[vintovka]

Your description shouted "scam." Apparently, the site is only six months old, & I must admit that at first blush it appears legitimate. However, you mentioned a minimum purchase amount (DING) & a required third party for payment (DING). Right away it'd have my radar sending alarms. Sorry for your loss; for sure you're not alone!View attachment 138032

I ran some quick checks on this site Check if Website shown in the pic above is Legit or Scam, Check Site Reputation | IsLegitSitedotcom

It contains a means to check all sites known or suspicious and a way to view/add to site blacklisting. If the real deal this seems the way to go and am adding to my bookmarks. As more folks use it there is the possibility that such sites may have a major impact. The captcha is a pain but the info seems ok. I have long thought a vetting service would be a very profitable venture and essentially a way to make $$$ on scammers.

It does post a blacklist so heads up but use common sense.

 

[MLZ]

Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[vintovka]

Wondering is there is a hidden danger along with being scammed out of $. When you place your "order" you surrender personal and financial info. This alone can be "sold" opening you up to further problems. AM i wrong?

 

[Kenn]

Wondering is there is a hidden danger along with being scammed out of $. When you place your "order" you surrender personal and financial info. This alone can be "sold" opening you up to further problems. AM i wrong?

Oh, you're spot on! Such sites can also be origins of malware of all sorts. Nasty business! A customer places an order, then is robbed of the purchase price, merchandise, properly operating device (smartphone, computer, etc.) & possibly identity. It's dangerous out there!

 

[Whughett]

I did a search for percussion caps and a couple of sites came up stating the had caps for sale. The site I ordered from was discountfirearmandammo.com The had a $100 minimum. The #11 caps were $4.95 per 100. They required payment by way of cash app or Zelle. I sent $135. No shipment, no reply to phone messages, no reply to emails. There are others pulling this scam, too. I was so anxious to get some caps that I placed the order trusting them but once you send money via Zelle, there is no recourse. I got ripped for the $135 and learned a hard lesson. Hope I can help prevent others from falling for this dishonest scammer.

I’ve see several of those. The tip off is NO HAZMAT fees.