Help some brothers out.. scammer content

OilCityPickups

goldtop said:

 some buyers here have sent payment that way without me asking.)

Same has happened with me ... I would stress to anyone who is feeling uncomfortable, don't use PPF&F. If I'm selling you something you can ask for a PayPal invoice if you prefer and that gives you a full paper trail of what you are getting and what you will pay. 

uksaint7

Where payment has been requested PPF&F I will often just work out what I’d need to pay extra for the seller to receive the same amount and make the payment using PPG&S without running it past the seller first- no real need to have a conversation about it. 

topdog91

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/259255/fender-deluxe-roadhouse-stratocaster-380

Another suspiciously cheap sale from an account that hasn't been active for a while and when it was, was largely active in the trading forums.

Edit: not wanting to spread panic but can't ignore...

topdog91

It looks bad. Exact text from a now-deleted CL ad. https://www.google.com/search?q="With+Deluxe+Leather+strap+with+strap+locks."&client=ms-android-oneplus-rvo3&sca_esv=594603375&sxsrf=AM9HkKnsFkD6VJcrv4VMOBfOCDTHXQDxmw:1703948260054&ei=5C-QZZfrArmI9u8PruyewAo&oq="With+Deluxe+Leather+strap+with+strap+locks."&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIi0iV2l0aCBEZWx1eGUgTGVhdGhlciBzdHJhcCB3aXRoIHN0cmFwIGxvY2tzLiIyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUjVI1C9D1jRInABeAGQAQCYAZcCoAGnBKoBAzItMrgBA8gBAPgBAcICBBAAGEfiAwQYACBBiAYBkAYG&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp

mankytom

Super dodgy this. Well spotted. Hope nobody has sent cash

designerseye88

Probably the same scammer?. The comments suggest someone spoke with the scammer on the phone? 

RobG3294

topdog91 said:

It looks bad. Exact text from a now-deleted CL ad. https://www.google.com/search?q="With+Deluxe+Leather+strap+with+strap+locks."&client=ms-android-oneplus-rvo3&sca_esv=594603375&sxsrf=AM9HkKnsFkD6VJcrv4VMOBfOCDTHXQDxmw:1703948260054&ei=5C-QZZfrArmI9u8PruyewAo&oq="With+Deluxe+Leather+strap+with+strap+locks."&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIi0iV2l0aCBEZWx1eGUgTGVhdGhlciBzdHJhcCB3aXRoIHN0cmFwIGxvY2tzLiIyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigAUjVI1C9D1jRInABeAGQAQCYAZcCoAGnBKoBAzItMrgBA8gBAPgBAcICBBAAGEfiAwQYACBBiAYBkAYG&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp

Yep that's another one that's a definite scam, no need to investigate that further. Right click > inspect on all embedded images on that thread shows the image sources are all pointing to a Craiglist URL.

OilCityPickups

Lordy ... yep .... Craigslist.
Looks as dodgy as a retirement plan for Kamikaze pilots ...  

digitalscream

For what it's worth, I've just found another one - zammo. I'm not going to say how I found them, for obvious reasons, but I've got a pretty good idea of how this is all put together at this point. It's pretty clear that this is one individual responsible for all the scams lately.

We've amended our process for signups, which should stop them getting in, and I've changed a few bits regarding existing user profiles which should prevent them from screwing with people.

I'm going to be out this evening, and a good portion of tomorrow, but I'll keep checking in to keep an eye on everything.

prlgmnr

Is it worth advising people to stick to Paypal Goods and Services unless paying someone who they actually personally know?

OilCityPickups

digitalscream said:

For what it's worth, I've just found another one - zammo. I'm not going to say how I found them, for obvious reasons, but I've got a pretty good idea of how this is all put together at this point. It's pretty clear that this is one individual responsible for all the scams lately.

We've amended our process for signups, which should stop them getting in, and I've changed a few bits regarding existing user profiles which should prevent them from screwing with people.

I'm going to be out this evening, and a good portion of tomorrow, but I'll keep checking in to keep an eye on everything.

At this point can I just say what an absolute diamond bunch of modmins we have here ...  

mankytom

OilCityPickups said:

digitalscream said:

For what it's worth, I've just found another one - zammo. I'm not going to say how I found them, for obvious reasons, but I've got a pretty good idea of how this is all put together at this point. It's pretty clear that this is one individual responsible for all the scams lately.

We've amended our process for signups, which should stop them getting in, and I've changed a few bits regarding existing user profiles which should prevent them from screwing with people.

I'm going to be out this evening, and a good portion of tomorrow, but I'll keep checking in to keep an eye on everything.

At this point can I just say what an absolute diamond bunch of modmins we have here ...  

agreed!! Thanks for everything you guys do.. imagine it feels thankless at times, but good on you! 

digitalscream

prlgmnr said:

Is it worth advising people to stick to Paypal Goods and Services unless paying someone who they actually personally know?

I've literally just done that - everybody should see a message they can't dismiss at the top of the forum.

tone1

I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of a scam….I charity auctioned a pedal here…..turns out the ex-regular was full of shit…..heart goes out to the victims….still love this place though. 

OilCityPickups

£2,300 a minute was lost to fraud in the UK last year that's one point two billion quid. In spite of a claim by our 'noble political leaders' that crime has gone down by 50% since 2010 ... conveniently, fraud is left out of those figures. 

MrTee

goldtop said:

Re sellers insisting on PPF&F, if you really REALLY want the specific item is for sale, offer an extra 4% to cover the PP fees for Goods & Services.

If the seller refuses, it's clear that it's not the PP fees he's trying to avoid - it's the chances of a chargeback. Walk away.

(That said for long-standing tFBers, I've sometimes used PPF&F. Also, some buyers here have sent payment that way without me asking.)

I tried to offer a member here an additional 4% to cover the fees, and was told it would be unacceptable as I may just be out scam him somehow (return after intended use, return an alternative etc). 

mankytom

@OilCityPickups that is flabbergasting, and the police are probably in no position to investigate all of that adequately..

up to 150 on the fundraiser by the way.. link in OP for anyone in a position to donate, I’m sure anything appreciated!!

CampbellH

Apart from using a secure payment method, my brain has gone into overdrive thinking over possible solutions to try and mitigate issues like this in the future. Excuse me as I do a lot of problem solving in my work.

 Is there a way to set a time limited reputation for members?
X amount of posts within the last x weeks before they can sell items. Even if it is something simple as a badge, or even just telling members to have a look at a profile to show this kind of stat.

Start the  practice of the full transaction to be openly discussed in posts rather than PM.

Sales above a certain value to include a third party, mod/admin before the buyer pulls the trigger.

I will stop here or I will be here all night.

digitalscream

mankytom said:

@OilCityPickups that is flabbergasting, and the police are probably in no position to investigate all of that adequately..

up to 150 on the fundraiser by the way.. link in OP for anyone in a position to donate, I’m sure anything appreciated!!

It's not the job of the police to deal with it - it's up to Action Fraud.

And, on the basis of their previous performance dealing with scammers on here, after we provided them with more than enough evidence to take it to court...they're woefully inadequate at it.

Kittyfrisk

digitalscream said:

mankytom said:

@OilCityPickups that is flabbergasting, and the police are probably in no position to investigate all of that adequately..

up to 150 on the fundraiser by the way.. link in OP for anyone in a position to donate, I’m sure anything appreciated!!

It's not the job of the police to deal with it - it's up to Action Fraud.

And, on the basis of their previous performance dealing with scammers on here, after we provided them with more than enough evidence to take it to court...they're woefully inadequate at it.

^ Yep, Inaction Fraud would have been more accurate.
Enjoy your evening out, you deserve it.