[clutchmaster]

Hi Everyone,

First of all, I wanted to take a moment and appreciate the platform this community provide to us. However, there are some f""kers who just cant get their head straight.

So, the story began when I put my WTB posting for the JB4 on N20 in the classified section. Right away, I started getting a good amount of the response and started talking to some of the sellers as well. Then, I got a PM from "martin101" telling me that he got the latest version of the JB4 EWG for sale and he is asking $300. At first I was delighted because finding the cheapest price and then I started thinking that, how can this guy sell the JB4 EWG for less than $350 or so what others are asking. So I started talking to him and finally he said that he will do $250 shipped. I agreed to his offer and then he said that, "he cant use the PayPal cuz he lost his money and blah...." so he like to use the Wells Fargo.

I was okay with it and then he sent over his address which is,
Bank .. WellsFargo Bank
Name .Dorcas M Sanders
Account # 2785216207
Routing # 111900659

Now, before sending the money to him I thought of doing a quick Google search and to my suprise I found this: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1270170

So basically, this guy is some lowlife scammer changing his usernames around and trying to sell to the people what he really dont have!!

Spread the words around, stay away from this guy.

MODS - his username is "martin101". Please PM me and I will send over the whole history between us

[BlueCrabMafia]

Good info.

I make any seller send me an invoice via PayPal. This way buyer protection is in effect. Never send money to someone as a gift using PayPal either. If they won't send you a PayPal invoice, don't deal with them.

[bad karma]

Don't EVER be okay with someone wanting you to do anything that doesn't have buyer protection like PayPal. That is going to virtually 100% be a scam.

[clutchmaster]

Originally Posted by BlueCrabMafia

Good info.

I make any seller send me an invoice via PayPal. This way buyer protection is in effect. Never said money to someone as a gift using PayPal either. If they won't send you a PayPal invoice, don't deal with them.

I actually have dealt with an overseas seller on a Bimmerf""t who not only shipped the product incredibly fast and did stand behind his commitment of helping me in the install. And you know what, I sent him the money as a gift

But then again, people are just different

[BlueCrabMafia]

Originally Posted by clutchmaster

I actually have dealt with an overseas seller on a Bimmerf""t who not only shipped the product incredibly fast and did stand behind his commitment of helping me in the install. And you know what, I sent him the money as a gift

But then again, people are just different

I'm not saying there aren't people who still stand by their word. However those people are few and far between. Just like in your original post.

The reality is, we deal with people we've never met in person and only dealt with online. You have to protect yourself: eBay, PayPal or some other form of secure, protected and refundable payment should be no problem for a legitimate seller.

Good job calling out the shady member though. Too bad he'll just create another name and keep on being shady.

[BimmerF32_430i]

Although not the best way, but reputation points is a good thing to look at. Anyone with a very low amount is pretty suspect especially if that's the only post they've made.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by bad karma

Don't EVER be okay with someone wanting you to do anything that doesn't have buyer protection like PayPal. That is going to virtually 100% be a scam.

I have read stories where eBay and PayPal disproportionately side with buyers if there is a dispute, even in the face of clear lies by the buyer. I can't say I have any personal experience with this, but it is possible that a seller legitimately does not prefer PayPal--however, considering all the buyers a seller would lose because of this, a flat out refusal to deal through PayPal is a red flag.

[lo_xyooj]

old cliche saying...when its too good to be true its likely a scam. #1. Price was too damn good.

Paypal will always have the buyers back with invoice so for a mere 4% fee charge its really a no brainer.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by lo_xyooj

Paypal will always have the buyers back with invoice so for a mere 4% fee charge its really a no brainer.

The fee is paid by the seller, and it's a cost of doing business, calculated into the price. The scam is just a slight variation on the Nigerian inheritance scam that's been around as long as the internet. And just because you spoke to someone doesn't make it legit either. Every victim of the Jamaican Lottery scam spoke to someone. Bottom line, never pay for anything with other than PayPal or a credit card.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by BlueCrabMafia

Good info.

I make any seller send me an invoice via PayPal. This way buyer protection is in effect. Never send money to someone as a gift using PayPal either. If they won't send you a PayPal invoice, don't deal with them.

+1 I do this too unless I have dealt with the person before or they have a killer reputation and everyone knows them and even then, I would prefer paying the paypal fees than get scammed...3% is a small fee to pay to have a some buyer protection. Unfortunately, if it is too good to be true it usually is. People truly suck sometimes!

[goj]

Probs a crack head

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by bad karma

Don't EVER be okay with someone wanting you to do anything that doesn't have buyer protection like PayPal. That is going to virtually 100% be a scam.

Totally worth paying the PayPal fee yourself so buyer gets their full price. Paid 4K for an IWC once and rather than wire I just ate the PayPal fee so I didn't have to worry. Was like $100. Totally worth it.

[Kabrich]

Originally Posted by lo_xyooj

old cliche saying...when its too good to be true its likely a scam. #1. Price was too damn good.

Paypal will always have the buyers back with invoice so for a mere 4% fee charge its really a no brainer.

I've always been charged 2.9% + $0.30 USD fee by PayPal, not 4%.

If you are paying 4% something is wrong.

[MO_23]

Should've sent him a job application to Mcdonald's, 15 an hour would be much worth it for that loser...

[clutchmaster]

LOL ! This f***er is still asking me saying whether I send him the money or not?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Glad you caught it in time OP

[clutchmaster]

We still have some "sellers" here who offered to meet up in person and ask you to pay with the cash. I would if i know the seller or has done the business before, but I absolutely wouldn't for certain things which I can't confirm whether it works or not unless and until I get it installed on my car.


Then again - these are the sellers who "cry" for the PayPal fees but when you offer to offset the cost by splitting the fees with the seller, they ask you to send the money as a gift ----- yeah right....

[BimmerRob]

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1297780

I almost bought a watch from this idiot. He starts by saying he wants to meet me in person, then says he doesn't take paypal. That's the only red flag I needed to stop contacting him. If they don't accept paypal then don't do business with them unless its local and you have the item in hand. PERIOD