Thank you,
@Sparkitoff . You invested a lot of time in rooting these rascals out!
I was able to buy enough percussion caps for my own limited needs in between shortages. However, I've recently gotten interested in blackpowder cartridge rifles, and the primer situation is identical with what we are seeing for percussion caps.
I am a technological ignoramus, which may sometimes be a blessing. I've no idea how "crypto currencies" or cash apps or Zelle work, and I understand these are the only payment methods accepted by the fly-by-night scammers.
Anyway, I've determined there are three things that hoist red flags:
1) It's a company no experienced shooters have heard of before, but they post excellent customer reviews.
2) They claim to have products that none of the established, reputable dealers can get.
3) They only accept cryptocurrencies, cash apps, or Zelle, all of which I understand are untraceable.
I don't know where to report outfits like these, but in my search for primers, I've run across several.
For guys like me, I think the best strategy may be to just wait it out. Caps and primers are being manufactured, and I believe the market will eventually stabilize, more or less. However, I think periodic ammunition and component shortages have been a recurring phenomenon since the late nineties, when even some intelligent people were worried about the "Y2K Bug." Since then, the ping-ponging of political administrations has stimulated panic buying which results in product shortages, and if you are a serious shooter, you learn to watch the market and stock up when you can. I would like to add that there is a difference between one's stocking up for realistic anticipated needs, and hoarding. However, this current shortage, exacerbated by the pandemic, is about the worst I remember, and predatory scammers seem to have proliferated.
In any event, thanks to
@Sparkitoff for letting us know about this one!
Notchy Bob