p.2 #1 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
I usually request that the seller provide their cell phone and also communicate with them via email back and forth & text/call also. A scammer would be very unwilling to do that, whereas someone seriously interested in selling their item (with you being courteous, respectful, and sounding like a photographer or someone who knows the sort of equipment) wouldn't mind to seal the deal.
p.2 #2 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
snapsy wrote:
My biggest fear is what appears to have transpired in this transaction - a well-established FM member with 40+ feedback either went rogue or had his account hijacked. The latter is the scariest because it compromises the integrity and usefulness of the feedback system. To combat this it would be useful to have some type of verification system to confirm the original FM'er is in possession of his own account. Not sure what the implementation would look like but I'm thinking along the lines of how gmail detects suspicious account logins and uses a secondary means to verify the account holder, such as a text message with verification code to the registered phone number....Show more →
I would love to have some sort of "verified" tag for users. Perhaps another local member to vouch for a member or big ticket item.
p.2 #4 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
But yeah, if it's a member with 40+ feedback with their account hijacked... then that's an entirely different story. Maybe Fred could set up a system where not only PMs generate an email notification, but a PM also generate a text message...
That and have a code requirement (texted to the previous phone number) for confirmation of change of password (what Facebook does if you use the most stringent security settings). Granted, some people don't text, so perhaps offer a phone call option? Anyone have other suggestions?
p.2 #5 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
MazeRunner wrote:
But yeah, if it's a member with 40+ feedback with their account hijacked... then that's an entirely different story. Maybe Fred could set up a system where not only PMs generate an email notification, but a PM also generate a text message...
That and have a code requirement (texted to the previous phone number) for confirmation of change of password (what Facebook does if you use the most stringent security settings). Granted, some people don't text, so perhaps offer a phone call option? Anyone have other suggestions?
Pay retail?
Ha!
Yeah, quite tough. My Fred Miranda password is actually more secure than my bank password just so I can avoid something like that.
p.2 #7 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
MazeRunner wrote:
But yeah, if it's a member with 40+ feedback with their account hijacked... then that's an entirely different story. Maybe Fred could set up a system where not only PMs generate an email notification, but a PM also generate a text message...
That and have a code requirement (texted to the previous phone number) for confirmation of change of password (what Facebook does if you use the most stringent security settings). Granted, some people don't text, so perhaps offer a phone call option? Anyone have other suggestions?
What about a field in B/S when there is a post, the phone number is entered (and can't be edited once posted)?
p.2 #8 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
lukeb wrote:
What about a field in B/S when there is a post, the phone number is entered (and can't be edited once posted)?
If the account is hijacked the hijacker can just insert his own number. To be secure it should be a cell number specified at account creation and only changeable with a lot of hassle, with the old number getting notification of the change. And then maybe an automatic verification process for every B+S add that sends a text message to the account holder to alert him of his posting and maybe also require a text response. Either the B+S posting would be delayed pending the text response or there could be a "FM'er verified" in green for every ad that has been verified.
p.2 #9 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Several of the sites I belong to require a verification email be sent to the ORIGINAL email account before any changes can be made. Like a change of email address, etc. What about that type of a procedure?
p.2 #10 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
I just can't understand why those who had their account hijacked back in Dec? haven't contacted Fred to get their account back. Surely all the accounts that have been hijacked aren't inactive members?
p.2 #11 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Oh no, what a shame! I'm a Canadian and have had success in the past using Interac Money Transfer to pay fellow Canadians or to receive funds for goods (doesn't apply to transactions in the US). I had no idea one could scam that..I thought the payment was immediate and ideal as it avoids the Paypal fees that are a complete rip off. Yikes!! I guess I won't use that anymore..bummer.
p.2 #12 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Sorry for the victims.
One advice to all; if it looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
I still encourage buyers to use "NO FEE PAYPAL". When you log on PayPal to pay someone, you'll see the seller's name. I USE MY REAL NAME, NOT A FICTICIOUS MADE UP ID. I always give would be buyers many options to pay.
If you don't feel comfortable for anything, don't do it. Saving a few dollars or a couple of hundred dollars is NOT worth losing your sleep. Well, if you miss this one, there will be another chance. Think wisely.
p.2 #13 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
^ Good points there. Personally, I only buy from folks who either have rich feedback histories or who have a long track history on the forums. People rarely rack up 1000+ posts over multiple years on a forum for the sake of making one big heist and vanishing afterward.
p.2 #14 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Just use PayPal the correct way, and you are protected. As mentioned earlier, use it with a credit card for two lines of protection. If you use a non-protected method to save a couple bucks, you are playing with fire. Oh, and not knowing if a payment method gives you buyer protection is a poor excuse. You are about to send hundreds to thousands of dollars to a stranger...due diligence is required on your part.
Following the above suggestions, additional account confirmation is nice but not necessary.
p.2 #15 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
I'm more worried about get scammed by buyers...I have heard about quite a few horror stories about buyers file PayPal claim as "ITEM NOT AS DESCRIBED", then don't even have to return the item, and reverse the payment!
Always try to deal with people with feedback and proven track record.
p.2 #16 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Sorry to hear about that diamondroad. In addition to points mentioned here like avoiding PP gift & bank transfers, I usually check the recent activity of the seller even if he/she has substantial positive feedback. Signs that the account has been hijacked include linguistic markers. For example, the member used to elaborate in his writing and suddenly he's brief and to the point, or he used to write in a fluid native-like fluency and suddenly it sounds foreign, used to be polite and now he's very direct, etc... You can verify these markers by communicating with him via messages or phone or through his item description.
Finally, if the member used to be very active in the past and now he hasn't posted anything recently that would be a sign that something doesn't add up.
p.2 #17 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
To add some good info about Canadians, I just completed a transaction with a Canadian seller who was wonderful, prompt and very good at communicating. I'd recommend her to anyone this side of the border. Heck, she even shipped to Hawaii.
That said I think Canadians have been fooling us poor gullible US'ers by being so damn nice all the time. Lulls us into complacency it does...
p.2 #18 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm just stating the facts. A few members got scammed by this same individual and his location is Canada. The local police is involved and I'm hoping we will eventually be able to catch this guy.
This should not be a discouragement to deal with fellow Canadian members. It's just a warning to never send uninsured payments.
Fred
I believe this is the 3rd time I see these warning coming up within the last 6 months. Us legit FM'ers should start to learn to protect ourselves!
I have been a victim back in Feb and lost $2700. i am Canadian from Vancouver (yet i disclose my address is in Bellingham WA for US fella's to ship items there). i was dinged using EMT and i found that the fraudster is from Quebec, Canada.
it just so happened that i work in the bank and was able to trace down this fraudster, however, local police rejected to help as they consider as a 'civil disagreement'. i know exactly the possible suspect, where he lives, his bank account, etc. however, because there are these 'code of conduct' and stuff at work that prevents me to hunt him down. only thing i can do is go through a lawyer and this will definitely be more than the $2700 that i paid...
anyhow, what i want to say is.... if you cannot afford the 'protection fee' and want to save a few more dollars using the unprotected paying method, don't buy the item. save more before you buy!! always go for the protected way when you purchase online!
anyhow, if anyone wants some info, i can probably help. i can provide the dude's email for the EMT that i sent out in Feb 2013
p.2 #19 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Well, it stands to reason. I mean, isn't Canada where England sent most of its criminals after they filled up Australia? Can't tell 'em apart anyway -- they all look alike to me. Fortunately, I'll never be a victim of a Canadian scammer -- I don't even speak Canadian.
