Buying used avoiding scams

[USMA36]

How do you go about protecting yourself buying used? I posted on a local reef board that I was looking to buy an MP60. Some replied that they had one and would sell it shipped for 180.00. Obviously that price is a red flag as he says it’s only 3 months old. I can pay via PayPal but if this guy ships me a box of rocks I really don’t have much recourse. Another red flag is that he’s brand new to the forum and has no other posts. I’d hate to miss out on a deal but this definitely sounding like a scam. is there a no risk method to conduct this deal?

 

[ScottW]

You already know that is a scam, a $780 pump for $180 and only a couple months old. Stick to buying on here, look and see if they have history of selling things and feedback if they have any, most people don't tend to leave feedback unless its bad.

 

[Cell]

PayPal and credit card will offer protection.

 

[gaki]

Yeah worst comes to worst you just dispute it. That being said, I 100% think that it waaayyy too good to be true.

 

[Goaway]

Sounds like a super red flag. I would ask how he wants payment. Paypal wont refund gifted cash.

 

[LuizW13]

Be on the look out for accounts with low number of posts sending you a message asking you to e-mail someone else. They claim that so and so has what you want to buy.

The sticky below has some guidance.

PSA: Be careful when buying or selling online! These tips may help you avoid potential scams.

Most of this post is being copied directly from a warning posted previously by @SeahorseKeeper, but I feel that it's important that we remind all of our members of this again and that it be posted in the general forum in hopes that more of you will see it. This is IMPORTANT so please read this...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[FishyFishFish]

I put a wanted ad on here and received a few scam responses. They were fairly easy to spot as they were all new members, no post history, and asked to contact them direct via email.

Googling their email address picked up a couple of scammers. Another (which I had already reported to R2R) was outed by someone else on this forum.

I did get one response on an item that seemed too good to be true. However that poster had good history and had been a R2R member for several years. I took a chance and got a brand new item at a great price.

There are scammers out there, but there are also genuine people and bargains to be had. I always weigh up whether the risk is worth the reward before buying used (is $20 off $200 item really worth not buying from a store?). I also only spend what I can afford to lose if it all goes wrong.

 

[USMA36]

It’s gotta be a scam. Pm‘d me asked me to text him. Asked a couple questions and never heard back.

 

[mitchell77546]

Just got this same scam ran on me...

 

[vabben]

If it's local, I'd ask to meet up. Hell a couple hour drive is worth a $600 savings in my book.

Or ask for photos proving he actually has it, like writing your name on a piece of paper next to the MP60.