TromboneChat

I've now received two fake offers relating to a WTB post that I have up.  There are similarities between both initial emails.  The first took me a few exchanges to realize what was going on.

Creating a fake email takes two seconds but these are the two that I received.

Bruce Gillies - [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]
Johnny I Gusson - [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]

Both initial emails had a couple small English/capitalization errors. 

Both initial emails contained a full address at the bottom even though I was supposed to be the one purchasing.

The first attempt did not include pictures because they "weren't on his computer" and then I suddenly received another email with pictures; however, it was clear that it was not what I had asked about, but rather a picture taken off a Google search.  The second attempt included a picture from another forum post from a threat not in the classified section that I easily found through Googling.  Seller was once again attempting to pass off that the picture was the same brand I had asked about even though it wasn't.  Also the pictures were not exactly what I had even originally asked.  One thing I wanted to purchase was a slide and the first "seller" sent me pictures of a slide and bell section together.  Second "seller" sent pictures of two slides clearly not the same.

First seller wanted to use a service called "MoneyGram".  Said that they were "hacked" when using PayPal.  Moneygram charges a large fee to send money and when I questioned this the seller immediately offered to lower the asking price by the cost of the fee.

Both emails said their slides were in "mint" condition and the pictures clearly proved otherwise.

In general it seemed like I was communicating with someone who really didn't know the lingo.

By posting this this/these scammers can very well change their tactics.  I have not had issues like this in the past and have had several successful purchases from other forum members without any situations.  Please make sure to ask for pictures for anything you purchase and be ready to walk away if you don't feel comfortable.

If they ask for Moneygram/Western Union, it is a scam, period.

Quote from: cwaage on Apr 03, 2017, 06:04AMIf they ask for Moneygram/Western Union, it is a scam, period.

Yes

I had a similar situation with someone replying to a WTB ad I had for a slide.  I could tell something was up, so since it was for a Shires slide, I asked some very specific questions about the specs and playing characteristics.  I got crickets after that.

I include the following information when anyone lists something in the Online Trombone Journal Classifieds:

Buy/Sell Safely!
Please use care when buying and selling online.

NEVER send payment by Western Union, Money Gram or other wire services or bank transfer!!!! 

Most scams involve an inquiry from someone wanting you to take a cashier's check or money order and quite often a badly-worded request to buy your item.  Most of these e-mails show no knowledge of what they are buying.  Be sure to get phone numbers, check references - take care when buying and selling online! If you have been victimized, you can contact the FTC toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov, or contact your local law enforcement agency.

Be sure to exchange phone numbers, and if you're the least bit doubtful, get references.  The trombone world is essentially a small one, and odds are you'll probably know someone in common.

And don't be afraid to "Facebook Stalk" someone - enter their name and see if it all adds up.

Perhaps a sticky for this type of information would be a good idea.

Quote from: cwaage on Apr 03, 2017, 07:13AMI include the following information when anyone lists something in the Online Trombone Journal Classifieds:

Buy/Sell Safely!
Please use care when buying and selling online.

NEVER send payment by Western Union, Money Gram or other wire services or bank transfer!!!! 

Most scams involve an inquiry from someone wanting you to take a cashier's check or money order and quite often a badly-worded request to buy your item.  Most of these e-mails show no knowledge of what they are buying.  Be sure to get phone numbers, check references - take care when buying and selling online! If you have been victimized, you can contact the FTC toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the complaint form at www.ftc.gov, or contact your local law enforcement agency.

Be sure to exchange phone numbers, and if you're the least bit doubtful, get references.  The trombone world is essentially a small one, and odds are you'll probably know someone in common.

And don't be afraid to "Facebook Stalk" someone - enter their name and see if it all adds up.

Perhaps a sticky for this type of information would be a good idea.

Excellent advice! 

It's sad that such charlatans exist.  There's always somebody who wants to take unfair advantage of somebody else.

Meanwhile, our TTF classifieds have to be posted by members and I review all membership applications.  I don't approve somebody who doesn't have some kind of relationship to trombones, and I will often ask if they don't put that on their application.

It's not foolproof, but it will eliminate some of the real cons.

Remember, if somebody contacts you who is not a member, keep your antennae up.  We don't have any policing force and cannot guarantee anything.

Chris' post should be stickied in this group.

Quote from: cwaage on Apr 03, 2017, 07:13AM

NEVER send payment by Western Union, Money Gram or other wire services or bank transfer!!!! 
^I broke this rule, when buying on craigslist - a bench seat for my Carolina Skiff (boat).
I sent him the funds by a "Walmart Person to person wire transfer" - at the sellers request.

Everything went fine, and I got a $250 bench seat for $60 (I was happy).

T.

I also recieved scam emails from [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]

Asking about my wtb add. PayPal is the only safe way to transfer money online.

A few weeks ago I had placed an WTB add looking for a valve section for a valve trombone project I have going. Johhny I Gusson responded. First, a few days after placing my second add, he responded inquiring if I was still looking for a valve section. I responded -  Yes. A few days after that he emailed that he had one for $200.00 payable with a money gram. Also, he offered no info as to the make or model or any info. I wrote back asking for that info. and the fact he had better get a Pay Pal account or we would do no business. A few days later he sent a picture of an old Buescher valve trombone that had to be 100 yrs. old. Now I had become suspicious about the payment by Money Gram and not having a Pay Pal account (doesn't anyone that does biz on the net have one ?) but since I was not interested in the old Buescher (alreadt have on in the attic) I wrote back I was not interested.  Funny, wondered if anyone else had been contacted by this Dude. Guess my suspicions were right.  Roger

Add these to the List
Shawn Smith   [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]   OTJ
Helen Manuel   [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url] AKA  Kodjo Kenneth of Garden City, MI
Dominique Delon   [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]     Bassposaunne.de
    Only speaks French   Wants to do an International Bank Wire Transfer
    Bank Transfers can be reversed for up to 90 days in the US. Internationally ??
Tony Romano     [url=mailto:[email protected]][email protected][/url]
Darrel Beebee      North Ga /South Carolina
   Buying Instruments for Sons Church Group
And many more I cant remember
Women in Armed Forces in Colorado
SOmebody in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia
I have acquired over $10,000 in fraudulent checks over the past 4 years.
I still haven't fallen for one scam yet.
Insist on PayPal- Wait til funds are Verified- E checks can take 5 days or so to clear
Call the Bank a check is drawn on.  They have all been willing to help me
Ask for a shipping address-- This is when " I'll have my Shipping Co..... "comes up
Check them out on Social Media
  Even if they are listed ,normally their page is sparse. No Friends, No Background, No Schools Listed,No Family
Cashiers Checks are Highly Counterfeit these days, as are Money Orders and Bank Checks
Wire Transfers funds can be reversed as I believe Banks Check funds can be also.
Speak with your bank about transactions you have suspicions about
Good Luck