Scammers are out there Be Warned

[Lowlight]

Attention PX Shoppers Scammers are out there so be careful

I just spent the morning hunting scammers after a Pay Pal dispute hipped me to their accounts. I was getting a series of pay pal disputes from the real owners of the accounts so in reviewing the transactions we noticed a few pieces of information to pass on.

MOST IMPORTANT - Nothing Matches

Names, addresses, email names, accounts don't match. they are stealing credit cards and using the stolen accounts to sign up for Supporter accounts. The email address associated to the stolen information is not being used on here. So there is a big difference in User name. The most recent accounts just changed the email address adding a 1 to it.

Because this is a shell game, if you are approached by someone looking to buy or sell, could be either, and they want to you send Money or Products to different locations report them immediately. If you post a WTB ad and get an email about a friend with one, email them here, report the user.

1. Get details from each other
2. Use your phone for real time images that can confirm validity
3. Ask for working phone number or image with user name next to the item
4. If you are mailing checks, confirm it's a real address and not a drop if they don't live there don't send it
5. If it's too good to be true, if you feel lucky to have found a great deal, you are being scammed.

 

[Lowlight]

I followed on a series of scams that were taking place, the scammers also purchased a Supporter upgrade using a stolen pay pal account so that gives them access.

In chasing the IP Links to the accounts, this was a gang of 5 members, some dormant, some active just making a few random posts, I was able to stop another scam before the first comment.

the scammers went to arms list, found an old (2016) ad for a delisted rifle and copied the entire ad here, typos and all. One of the things to do, thanks to stuff like a VPN was actually follow the accounts off SH.

The problem was, I had links, but no red flags. The system said they had a loose affiliation, but nothing was wrong. In fact 3 accounts were upgraded to Supporter. So what I did when I saw a Typo in the Ad, I copied it and pasted it into Google and it found the exact same ad on ArmsList

This is ME doing this, and I am not buying a thing. I just noticed in the Pay Pal complaint when they tried to refund the upgrade the association to other accounts. I could have refunded it, which I do a lot it's often easier. I could dispute it but when pay pal looks they will not see anything wrong. Guy upgraded, got banned wants his money back. Or just says, which twice now has happened, they are using stolen information getting an upgrade then the stolen card gets alerts and I lose twice.

So beware they are out there in teams working to defraud you...

 

[cjs88]

One of the things to do, thanks to stuff like a VPN was actually follow the accounts off SH.

I am confused by this statement. Are you saying you used a VPN to follow their accounts? Or you were able to trace their original IP through the VPN? The latter would be impressive.

And thanks for looking out.

 

[BullGear]

Attention PX Shoppers Scammers are out there so be careful

I just spent the morning hunting scammers after a Pay Pal dispute hipped me to their accounts. I was getting a series of pay pal disputes from the real owners of the accounts so in reviewing the transactions we noticed a few pieces of information to pass on.

MOST IMPORTANT - Nothing Matches

Names, addresses, email names, accounts don't match. they are stealing credit cards and using the stolen accounts to sign up for Supporter accounts. The email address associated to the stolen information is not being used on here. So there is a big difference in User name. The most recent accounts just changed the email address adding a 1 to it.

Because this is a shell game, if you are approached by someone looking to buy or sell, could be either, and they want to you send Money or Products to different locations report them immediately. If you post a WTB ad and get an email about a friend with one, email them here, report the user.

1. Get details from each other
2. Use your phone for real time images that can confirm validity
3. Ask for working phone number or image with user name next to the item
4. If you are mailing checks, confirm it's a real address and not a drop if they don't live there don't send it
5. If it's too good to be true, if you feel lucky to have found a great deal, you are being scammed.

Thanks!

 

[Lowlight]

I am confused by this statement. Are you saying you used a VPN to follow their accounts? Or you were able to trace their original IP through the VPN? The latter would be impressive.

And thanks for looking out.

I did but not how you think, I took the search off SH using the information from SH and was able to piece together a trail

They went to armslist and copied an old ad, typos and images, because they used a VPN I was able to see the different hops, but never the origin beyond reading it was a VPN. However they still linked to the other accounts so while 1/2 of the VPN was just one person, the other 1/2 always had the same names pop up so I traced them too

With my IP Checks the site can group you all together so I can see groups of people on the same string.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Look at you, dusting off your old trusty PI skills. Good on you.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

Fuckers.

 

[FjallJager]

I have noticed the number of people with a $3500 optic, no feedback selling in the PX has gone up.

I am not really sure of how to proceed anymore.

I guess asking for a photo of the item with a copy of the person's drivers license and a the day's date is a step in the right direction, but not sure if it is good enough or not.

 

[TxWelder35]

I have noticed the number of people with a $3500 optic, no feedback selling in the PX has gone up.

I am not really sure of how to proceed anymore.

I guess asking for a photo of the item with a copy of the person's drivers license and a the day's date is a step in the right direction, but not sure if it is good enough or not.

If I’m spending that kind of coin they better be someone that has been around a while and has lots of feedback otherwise I’m buying from a dealer. Not worth the risk on randos

 

[FjallJager]

I am stealing the word "rando", not seen that one before.

I concur. I have yet to see something I would send someone $2500 on just because it is on the hide.

$100-300 I can live with that kind of prison rape. Beyond that I need it to come to a store.

 

[cjs88]

I have sold a scope on here to some one but I am weary spending 1k plus on anything. Just too much of a gamble.

 

[Lowlight]

Where is the roll eyes emoji

if you are not comfortable nobody is forcing you to play

why can't people just walk past something and say, doesn't apply to me, and keep walking

 

[34SF]

Scammer attempt: I have a WTB ad posted in optics. Today I received a PM from "Jaayrobin" referring me to his friend "dustinrichard1922 @gmail.com". Stupidly, I contacted dustin without checking the member list first. I received a response with eight images of the sight I'm looking for but the email contained the phrase "kindly email" which, for me, is an indicator of fraud. So, I did some background and none of the images had EXIF data indicating when and where they were taken, and the dustinrichard email address is known across the net as a scammer. "Jaarrobin" is also no longer a member of the Hide. What this tells me is that the orignator is gun savy enough to get the correct specs and, as Lowlight stated, these guys move quickly. Posting here so others can learn; please delete if it's in the wrong place.

 

[Baron23]

Scammer attempt: I have a WTB ad posted in optics. Today I received a PM from "Jaayrobin" referring me to his friend "dustinrichard1922 @gmail.com". Stupidly, I contacted dustin without checking the member list first. I received a response with eight images of the sight I'm looking for but the email contained the phrase "kindly email" which, for me, is an indicator of fraud. So, I did some background and none of the images had EXIF data indicating when and where they were taken, and the dustinrichard email address is known across the net as a scammer. "Jaarrobin" is also no longer a member of the Hide. What this tells me is that the orignator is gun savy enough to get the correct specs and, as Lowlight stated, these guys move quickly. Posting here so others can learn; please delete if it's in the wrong place.

Did you hit the report button and report it?

 

[34SF]

There's nothing left to report. Jaayrobin deleted the PM and the email came to my home account. There's nothing here.

 

[seansmd]

You all think pm's that get deleted, really get deleted? There's always a trail.

 

[DamagedGuds]

How much do you think it would cut down if it was mandatory to post the item(s) with name and date on a piece of paper? Another form of identity.

 

[Downtown]

How much do you think it would cut down if it was mandatory to post the item(s) with name and date on a piece of paper? Another form of identity.

It would eliminate scammers that couldn't use Photoshop well.

 

[rustyinbend]

I have noticed the number of people with a $3500 optic, no feedback selling in the PX has gone up.

I am not really sure of how to proceed anymore.

I guess asking for a photo of the item with a copy of the person's drivers license and a the day's date is a step in the right direction, but not sure if it is good enough or not.

Buying from someone with no feedback, is like late-night bar pick-up sex with no condom. If you're that dumb, you probably shouldn't be allowed to venture out unsupervised.

 

[Rlandry]

tineye.com is a great image search engine. Copy the image or it's URL in the box and hit enter. It will find every site on the web where that image is posted.

 

[rustyinbend]

tineye.com is a great image search engine. Copy the image or it's URL in the box and hit enter. It will find every site on the web where that image is posted.

... better living through technology ...

 

[Downtown]

tineye.com is a great image search engine. Copy the image or it's URL in the box and hit enter. It will find every site on the web where that image is posted.

I've found a few scammers just with Google Image Search. Most recently a s scammer here had posted pictures of a HK that were lifted straight from a old GunsAmerica ad. Moderators banned him quickly.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

There is an outside chance that I may make a purchase from our Louisiana home and have it sent to our son’s home in Florida. If that situation arises, I will provide complete information, all addresses and full names. Its not an every day thing but it does occur as we spend quite a bit of time at our son’s home. (In fact, I ordered powder from Hodgdon today but will be leaving for our son’s home early next week so we are having it shipped there)

Just so everyone will be warned that I am not trying to scam anyone. I’ve been around and hopefully won’t be going away anytime soon.

 

[BullGear]

There is an outside chance that I may make a purchase from our Louisiana home and have it sent to our son’s home in Florida. If that situation arises, I will provide complete information, all addresses and full names. Its not an every day thing but it does occur as we spend quite a bit of time at our son’s home. (In fact, I ordered powder from Hodgdon today but will be leaving for our son’s home early next week so we are having it shipped there)

Just so everyone will be warned that I am not trying to scam anyone. I’ve been around and hopefully won’t be going away anytime soon.

Brucey girl isn't interested in men, so that makes him/her/it a LESBIAN.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

@lowlight

Has anyone ever been scammed dealing with someone who has good feedback? I've yet to see anyone that has, and I've never had any trouble, but I Only deal with folks who have good feedback. I also look and see if they are active members, but feedback is the key.

Anyone who is legit doesn't mind giving you a copy of their drivers license either. If the address on there isn't where they want it shipped, don't do it. (Except for willk up there, who makes his son handle all his packages for him....)

 

[LeftyJason]

@lowlight

Has anyone ever been scammed dealing with someone who has good feedback? I've yet to see anyone that has, and I've never had any trouble, but I Only deal with folks who have good feedback. I also look and see if they are active members, but feedback is the key.

Anyone who is legit doesn't mind giving you a copy of their drivers license either. If the address on there isn't where they want it shipped, don't do it. (Except for willk up there, who makes his son handle all his packages for him....)

@spife7980 had his account broken into once.

 

[spife7980]

We also have had mods get hacked as well.

Just expect that everyone is gonna try to scam you and be weary of them all to protect yourself.

 

[charnicus]

When in doubt, back out. It’s been my experience that scammers act like scammers. They’re lingo may be strange. The funny feeling in the middle of the deal is probably a good sign that something be aloof.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

@spife7980 had his account broken into once.

Ok. So feedback wouldn't help in that instance I guess. That's pretty rare and not an ongoing thing right? How. Long did it take before he realized his account was hacked?

 

[Downtown]

He realized it fairly quickly, but the scammer was almost successful. If you can find that thread, it makes entertaining reading. The scammer hung around and interacted for a little while before disappearing.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

He realized it fairly quickly, but the scammer was almost successful. If you can find that thread, it makes entertaining reading. The scammer hung around and interacted for a little while before disappearing.

What would I look under to find it?

Just a few says ago I had a guy that had been here for a while, yet didn't have feedback. I almost didn't do it. But, his venmo matched his drivers license (which he had no issue sending me a pic of), as did his phone number for the state his DL was in, ect... it all looked very legit. Usually, there's some red flags ignored with scammers. Feedback is my #1 tool to make sure it's legit. Then I typically get a DL picture. With both, I think it's very safe. Every time I've seen a scammer, they don't have feedback and are usually very very new.

 

[charnicus]

Or an old ass account with barely any posts that all of the sudden crawls from the rocks. Supporter or not.

 

[Strykervet]

What would I look under to find it?

Just a few says ago I had a guy that had been here for a while, yet didn't have feedback. I almost didn't do it. But, his venmo matched his drivers license (which he had no issue sending me a pic of), as did his phone number for the state his DL was in, ect... it all looked very legit. Usually, there's some red flags ignored with scammers. Feedback is my #1 tool to make sure it's legit. Then I typically get a DL picture. With both, I think it's very safe. Every time I've seen a scammer, they don't have feedback and are usually very very new.

Well it was a scope scam about a month ago if that helps.

I'd also recommend that everyone use a password manager, two random words plus a symbol and a number for the password and use unique passwords for every login. With the password manager you'll only have to remember the password to actually log into the manager, so it actually simplifies things. You can export the passwords to both a read only file and a backup file too.

I only deal with people that have been around for a while, have recent activity and good feedback, and have posted meaningful shit --not one or two word replies here and there who just signed up last week.

Beware feedback though: a savvy scammer would go through the effort to make a few legitimate low dollar purchases in order to acquire it prior to the big scam. Spend a $100 to make a $1000 or whatever. And in Spife's case, he's been around a while and in good standing so it'd have been pretty hard to catch on to.

But I've bought and traded with several members over the years and no problems, maybe I'm lucky but I also make sure everything is legitimate to the best of my ability first.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

Well it was a scope scam about a month ago if that helps.

I'd also recommend that everyone use a password manager, two random words plus a symbol and a number for the password and use unique passwords for every login. With the password manager you'll only have to remember the password to actually log into the manager, so it actually simplifies things. You can export the passwords to both a read only file and a backup file too.

I only deal with people that have been around for a while, have recent activity and good feedback, and have posted meaningful shit --not one or two word replies here and there who just signed up last week.

Beware feedback though: a savvy scammer would go through the effort to make a few legitimate low dollar purchases in order to acquire it prior to the big scam. Spend a $100 to make a $1000 or whatever. And in Spife's case, he's been around a while and in good standing so it'd have been pretty hard to catch on to.

But I've bought and traded with several members over the years and no problems, maybe I'm lucky but I also make sure everything is legitimate to the best of my ability first.

Real good advice. I too look at what the individual has posted, if they are active and actually participate, then it's pretty safe. The scammers aren't talking about loads to run and particulars in scope or arguing about 308 and MOA.... That's all us...

 

[Downtown]

Real good advice. I too look at what the individual has posted, if they are active and actually participate, then it's pretty safe. The scammers aren't talking about loads to run and particulars in scope or arguing about 308 and MOA.... That's all us...

A few years ago, I was suspicious of a seller. Google searched a block of text from a post on optics he'd made. Found it copied and pasted from a UK birdwatcher site. Sounded quite informative. These scammers are imaginative.

 

[Raffy]

I was pm'd by a scammer this morning. Red flags everywhere made you think this guy was running his own parade or something going on.
Question: did we ever get a thread going to list information about these scam-posers? Ie, I now have a paypal account to look out for, and would like to share with others, as the scammer pm'd only and could still use the same paypal with a new SH account. I would like to make it as hard as possible for these people to be successful. Can we get a sticky about scammer details to watch out for?

 

[Rlandry]

A big flag is in an email response you may get. If the word "kindly" appears anywhere, it's a Nigerian scam.
I've gotten to the point where I deal almost exclusively with on-line merchants. Maybe I miss out on some really good deals, but I don't get scammed either and I don't waste time researching some members credentials.

 

[Raffy]

Yeah it was impossible not to see it by anyone trying not to get scammed. If we could start a thread and include their provided paypal, venmo, email addresses, etc and share this info amongst the SH community I feel like it could help. Sort of like a reverse directory of scammers that could be cross checked and referenced by payment info. I dont know if they reuse their payment account info, but I would assume so.

 

[vinniedelpino]

On the bright side, most of these scammers are downright retarded.

 

[Lowlight]

Since we added the requirement to pay in the PX the scammers are using the Message system opting to offer you a deal

If you get an unsolicited PM from someone that says, they have it, or a friend has it, report the user

Eventually they will use stolen Credit cards to sign on, knowing a Pay Pal dispute can get them a refund, after which I will get a report the owner wants their money back too…

be warned, active gangs are out there, and they will try anything