p.6 #1 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Let's not forget that the one thing that makes all of these scammers/con artists successful is other peoples' greed, so don't make their work easier for them.
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is... people have heard this wisdom a hundred times, and yet when they see a "bargain" on a camera or lens they covet, they're still willing to throw caution and common sense (and potentially their money) to the wind.
If there's some aspect of a deal that makes you uncomfortable, even if it's with an established member with lots of feedback, trust your instincts and bow out of the deal rather than do something you know is risky. Good deals are like buses... if you miss one, there will always be another one along shortly.
p.6 #2 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
paddler58 wrote:
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.6 #3 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Thank you for the heads up. I never use EMT myself but I know a lot of Canadians are using it.
And yes, one should take all the precautions and extra steps when dealing with high $ items.
p.6 #4 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
HERE I GO AGAIN....I'm scared shitless but I'm going to go and try to buy another 14-24mm F2.8 Nikon lens from this site. Hopefully the seller will understand when I ask their blood type, to see their 401K, the names of all their children and what schools they go to.....LMFAO. Just kidding, but I am worried.
Steve aka the fool from Canada who gave away $1400.
p.6 #8 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
This is a warning to all of us to take prudent steps to protect ourselves from fraudulent buyers and sellers.
It should not create blanket mis-trust of Canadians or of new members who have just started using FM. I have a very high rating elsewhere, and would like the chance to earn a high rating here!
I have some relatively expensive items up for sale...in almost brand new condition. Is PayPal the safest way to go? Should I avoid personal check or cashier's check?
p.6 #9 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
butlerkid wrote:
Is PayPal the safest way to go?
Probably.
Should I avoid personal check or cashier's check?
I'd say yes. I've done postal MO before for some items that have been less then $1000, but those people have had good feedback and been on here for some time. I've also done face to face transactions in public places.
p.6 #12 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
MDJAK wrote:
I hate to read about people getting ripped off. What goes around comes around. The scammer will get his in the end.
If you mean that he'll eventually die, you're probably correct. Unless his brain is digitally uploaded into one of those holograms. If so, then the joke's on you!
p.6 #13 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
molson wrote:
Let's not forget that the one thing that makes all of these scammers/con artists successful is other peoples' greed, so don't make their work easier for them.
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is... people have heard this wisdom a hundred times, and yet when they see a "bargain" on a camera or lens they covet, they're still willing to throw caution and common sense (and potentially their money) to the wind.
If there's some aspect of a deal that makes you uncomfortable, even if it's with an established member with lots of feedback, trust your instincts and bow out of the deal rather than do something you know is risky. Good deals are like buses... if you miss one, there will always be another one along shortly....Show more →
I'm of the mind that it's worthwhile to take risks within reason--with certain great deals (say a 300 2.8 IS for $3k), you may never get another shot at a similar price. Bone up on the rules and requirements of payment processors, and you shouldn't find yourself in many situations where you have to walk away. For me, I'll always find a way to work something out as long as the other party will deal in paypal or google checkout payments. With just about every scam example I've seen, it was blatantly obvious that they weren't on the level.
p.6 #14 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
Just came across one of this scam, seller's account is been hacked, luckily I didn't go with the deal in the end.
Here is a PM I received from the seller when his account is hacked. Even though the wording looks from an honest person and seller is willing to take paypal, it does mean its safe. I just post it so other people can see that the scammer can be pretend to be anything:
"The lens is still available for sale. I don't use this lens as much as I should, I believe someone else will have a better use for this baby. I have been a reputable FM'er for years with loads of feedback's to show for it. I have also read a few stories myself we all have to be careful, both Sellers and buyers. I see you have quit a number of feedback's yourself I believe I can deal with you.
I accept regular paypal. But you will have to cover the 3% Paypal charges. "
p.6 #15 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
rivet wrote:
Just came across one of this scam, seller's account is been hacked, luckily I didn't go with the deal in the end.
Here is a PM I received from the seller when his account is hacked. Even though the wording looks from an honest person and seller is willing to take paypal, it does mean its safe. I just post it so other people can see that the scammer can be pretend to be anything:
"The lens is still available for sale. I don't use this lens as much as I should, I believe someone else will have a better use for this baby. I have been a reputable FM'er for years with loads of feedback's to show for it. I have also read a few stories myself we all have to be careful, both Sellers and buyers. I see you have quit a number of feedback's yourself I believe I can deal with you.
I accept regular paypal. But you will have to cover the 3% Paypal charges. "...Show more →
That wasn't me was it?
but seriously, what made you believe it was a scam?
p.6 #16 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
molson wrote:
Let's not forget that the one thing that makes all of these scammers/con artists successful is other peoples' greed, so don't make their work easier for them.
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is... people have heard this wisdom a hundred times, and yet when they see a "bargain" on a camera or lens they covet, they're still willing to throw caution and common sense (and potentially their money) to the wind.
If there's some aspect of a deal that makes you uncomfortable, even if it's with an established member with lots of feedback, trust your instincts and bow out of the deal rather than do something you know is risky. Good deals are like buses... if you miss one, there will always be another one along shortly....Show more →
The statement that the ONE thing that makes these scammers successful is greed on the part of the buyer is an oversimplification. While that might be the case sometimes, the really smart scammers (like the one who got me) are the ones who ask a reasonable price for their item and also come across as totally legit by stealing a reputable FMer's username. I, for one, wouldn't touch any item that was outside the usual price range for a given item, but got screwed nonetheless.
FWIW, when I was dealing with this stuff a couple of months ago, Fred was very understanding and tried to help (for which I am grateful), but once the money was sent there was nothing that he or anyone else could do.
p.6 #17 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
MikeW wrote:
That wasn't me was it?
but seriously, what made you believe it was a scam?
The use of "feedback's" versus the correct term "feedback" would have made me a bit suspicious. Most of the folks who own these cameras/lenses from the US/Canada have a pretty good handle on the English language. When I read the above it just doesn't feel right. It doesn't automatically mean scam but sometimes you've got to pay attention to your instincts and dig a little deeper if the deal doesn't feel right from the get-go!
p.6 #20 · Canada Bank Transfer (EMT) Scam. Warning!
heh, I'm letting my B&S account idle for a while, don't need to sell anything & I had a couple of dodgey deals.
From my experience I think that FM should remove the WTB option. Both my dodgey ppl came from my WTB ads. People replying to WTB ads don't have to have a B&S subscription. Either remove it or make it so you can't post in the B&S forum unless you are subscribed.
This alone will lower the dodgey people as they need to forward more info to FM, paypal account etc.
