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Author Topic: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me  (Read 760 times)

K4ZZR

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Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« on: October 07, 2022, 11:22:20 PM »

I'm selling something pretty expensive (over $2k) and received an email from someone who simply emailed me with "Hi I want to buy your xxxxx."  At the top of his email he put a 6-land call sign. He didn't give his name or ask any questions.  Seeing that he's in California and I'm in Florida, the shipping cost on my very heavy item would be well over $250, but he didn't ask how much shipping would be. Also, because I've been scammed by customers claiming NAD and PayPal too many times as a Seller and business owner over the years, I indicated in my ad "No PayPal", but in his second email he asked if he could use PayPal.  Third, he wants it shipped to a business address and not the address listed under his call sign on QRZ, he says his ex-wife lives at that address (same address listed in the FCC listing).  His QRZ account has NO biography, and no logbook entries. 
in my gut it just feels fishy, but I don't know.  What do you think?
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K9YR

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2022, 02:09:09 AM »

I think you need to stick with your no PayPal policy. Take a check or money order and wait for it to clear. Your concerns are well warranted, move on from this buyer.
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SWMAN

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2022, 05:12:59 AM »

 Never used PayPal and NEVER will. It’s trash.
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GRUMPY2021

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2022, 05:15:41 AM »

Lots of red flags in this email.  I would steer away from that.   When you say no paypal and they want to do that anyway sorry...they aren't following the "rules" of the listing.   To me that disqualifies you if you can't follow my instructions.
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KW4CQ

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2022, 07:22:06 AM »

It sounds like a risky scenario.  Consider doing some or all of the following:

1. Ask him for his landline (home) phone number and speak to him directly.  But first prepare a list of well thoughtout questions you will ask him.
2. Ask him to scan and email you a copy of his driver's license.
3. Check his past buy/sell activities on eham.com/classifieds and on QRZ.com/swapmeet/scams
4.  Subscribe to a background search like www.peoplefinder.com for additional info.

Good luck and 73
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LACRO111

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2022, 07:25:44 AM »

Here's what will guarantee you get your money: Have the buyer wire the funds directly to your bank. A wire is like putting the cash directly in your hands. There may be a bank fee for receiving the wire. Next, have him arrange shipping. A UPS "Call" is one commonly used. The UPS driver will pick up the package with his own shipping label addressed to the buyer. All responsibilities for shipping fees or any damage issues are on the buyer, not you. Use your cell phone to video the boxing of the item and when UPS (Fed-Ex, etc.) pick it up. E-mail the video to the buyer. Obviously you need to use bomb proof boxing, or have it professionally boxed. Good luck...
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KD7TWW

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2022, 07:46:20 AM »

 :o Nope! Don't do it. I know ya need to sell a radio but, at what level of frustration do you need IF this goes south?? :)  Check when he/she was first licensed? And it would have more " street credit if he, or she was an Extra class? Just a passing thought. 73 kd7tww
« Last Edit: October 08, 2022, 07:51:56 AM by KD7TWW »
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W0CKI

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2022, 08:16:49 AM »

JUST SAY NO.
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K7LZR

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #8 on: October 08, 2022, 08:39:04 AM »

I agree with others who said say no and sell to somebody else.

But while we're on the subject, it can be a real inconvenience for many if you do not accept PayPal or some other form of online payment. Many such as myself do not have time these days to drop everything and go buy, fill out & mail a money order. It is true that there are scammers using online payment systems to their advantage but they really are in the minority and careful due diligence on your part will usually protect you. And its a two-way street - if your buyer pays with a check or MO, then they assume all risk and have virtually no recourse. I'm sure that you are an honest and upstanding seller but bad sellers also exist.

Back to your possible sale - walk away from this one.

 
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AK5B

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #9 on: October 08, 2022, 08:43:54 AM »

Buyer sounds completely fishy.  Run, don't walk away from that one!
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W6SWO

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2022, 09:29:25 AM »

WAY too sketchy.  Your gut is right to warn you.  Pass on that buyer.
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AJ9C

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #11 on: October 08, 2022, 10:29:18 AM »

AC6FH by chance? I had an inquiry for an Acom 2000a I am selling on QTH.com. I got a message that this person was a scammer.
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AJ9C

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #12 on: October 08, 2022, 10:31:27 AM »

To be clear the person sending the email was NOT AC6FH but someone using the call for his/her own purposes.
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KC6RWI

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #13 on: October 08, 2022, 10:45:33 AM »

Its very fishy,
How old is the qrz registration, course, that may not be his.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Buyer seems fishy, or is it just me
« Reply #14 on: October 08, 2022, 03:33:11 PM »

You don't even know if the call sign is his!  You have nothing.

-Mike.
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