Got scammed

[t_stomski]

I had nothing but great experience on this site. Bought few items from members and never had a bad experience until now. I had one member sending me a swarovski scope even before he received my money, which let me know that this group is a bunch of great folks. Unfortunately I let my guard down when I honestly can say that I had hesitation and took a risk on a new member. Lesson learned. I'll contact my bank and zelle, we'll see what happens.
Best regards to all.

 

[Safari Dave]

Try to avoid Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo when paying for something.


I try to only buy from folks who will accept credit cards, PayPal, or personal checks.

(I think's it's pretty unlikely that anyone on this forum doesn't have a friend who won't accept a credit card for a 3% fee)

I would for a friend, but might have to charge sales tax depending on where it is shipped.

 

[JimP]

The big problem is replying to a new member who contacts you saying that they have just what you want.

Sad thing is that forum owners can't really do anything to stop them. A couple forums that I am on require xx amount of post and yy amount of time before they can even send a DM. But even that doesn't stop them since they just post in threads to get their post count up.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Bummer…

I go out of my way to provide enough detail and level of comfort to anyone buying from me. At minimum a phone call. Usually I’ll FaceTime with the item being sold… Sometimes I include a picture of my drivers license (redacted) with the item and myself in a picture.

Also ask for references.

Sometimes the sense of urgency or “FOMO” gets the best of us. I’ve missed out on a few “good” deals by being cautious. So it goes…

 

[pilar]

Try to avoid Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo when paying for something.


I try to only buy from folks who will accept credit cards, PayPal, or personal checks.

(I think's it's pretty unlikely that anyone on this forum doesn't have a friend who won't accept a credit card for a 3% fee)

I would for a friend, but might have to charge sales tax depending on where it is shipped.

I’m finding PayPal to be uncooperative with getting a refund on a watch I bought off here, the seller has been ghosting me for about a month and I am not having any luck with PayPal, they don’t have a refund policy on sporting goods ( though it is a watch it was purchased through a hunting site so their policy is confusing to me)
I doubt they’ll ever do anything?
Buying anything on anything that you can’t rate the seller is risky ( eBay & Amazon are the exception)
Sorry to hear about this

 

[Safari Dave]

I use PayPal tied to a credit card.

If there's a problem, I file complaints with both.


This has always worked for me.

 

[pilar]

I use PayPal tied to a credit card.

If there's a problem, I file complaints with both.


This has always worked for me.

That is my next step ( against my wife’s advice because he isn’t a retailer)

 

[375Fox]

Try to avoid Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo when paying for something.


I try to only buy from folks who will accept credit cards, PayPal, or personal checks.

(I think's it's pretty unlikely that anyone on this forum doesn't have a friend who won't accept a credit card for a 3% fee)

I would for a friend, but might have to charge sales tax depending on where it is shipped.

I’ve never seen a sale with a credit card on this forum. I’d refuse to accept it for payment. I think most would. Regardless of the credit card fee, no one wants the 1099 at end of year for a business transaction. Lots of transactions here are done with PayPal friends and family. It offers no more protection than Zelle or Venmo. It’s up to you to verify it’s a legitimate seller. A phone call is pretty easy.

 

[LimbNoMo]

If you paid by Zelle, it is gone. No refunds.

 

[dchum]

Try to avoid Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo when paying for something.


I try to only buy from folks who will accept credit cards, PayPal, or personal checks.

(I think's it's pretty unlikely that anyone on this forum doesn't have a friend who won't accept a credit card for a 3% fee)

I would for a friend, but might have to charge sales tax depending on where it is shipped.

I’ve bought on sold on here countless times,
I only use Zelle and Cash App.

How would pay pal be any different?

I just know I’m dealing with a legitimate person on the other end…

 

[375Fox]

I’ve bought on sold on here countless times,
I only use Zelle and Cash App.

How would pay pal be any different?

I just know I’m dealing with a legitimate person on the other end…

PayPal goods and services offers purchase protection but also comes with fees and possible 1099. Sales on this forum are member to member. If that changes to a business transaction it would be easier to just list on eBay.

 

[Safari Dave]

PayPal let's you pay with your credit card, and provides an extra level of protection.

I've never protested a credit card charge that didn't work out in my favor.

If the seller doesn't have your signature or VERY COMPELLING evidence that the purchase was good and legitimate, they almost always side with the buyer.