Tabequache
Member
If you read Armslist's FAQ, they have a lot to say about scams by folks listing (selling) firearms. But they say little about scams or frauds perpetrated by buyers. The only advice Armslist gives, which is good advice in all cases I think, is to sell your firearms locally, in person.
In the last two years, at least four different attempts have been made by so-called buyers (all out of state) who were trying to scam me. Basically, what they try to do is get you to ship a firearm in exchange for payment which is bogus (i.e., a fake cashiers check or money order). The schemes they use are clever, often sending a copy of an FFL license of a local dealer willing to ship the gun. What happens is they send you the bogus payment, you ship the firearm, and then the payment instrument turns out to be worthless.
While I have certainly seen through the scams and not reacted, the attempts were made. In one case the buyer sent a copy of an FFL license from Nevada and copy 'n pasted my local FFL dealer's license number and information on it (much to his surprise) - saying he was the local FFL through which I could ship the firearm. We saw through that scam immediately and reported it to the BATFE, but my FFL received calls from gun sellers for 6 months afterward because the buyer apparently pulled the same scheme elsewhere.
Here are some signs to look for if you're suspicious of someone (not local) offering to buy a firearm that you've post for sale via Armslist:
1) They appear not to have read your posting; ask whether the firearm is still available; what the condition is(?) - even though this was part of your posting narrative;
2) Sometimes the sentence structure and grammar in their email is peculiar, like it was translated or written by someone who doesn't speak English;
3) Their emails are always lengthy, explaining how they will conduct a transaction with you;
4) They offer you full price, no dickering, plus shipping and want to send you a cashier's check or money order in advance;
5) They may say they can't personally accept the firearm (if you maintain that you only sell locally), but they have a local third party who will take the firearm on their behalf (could indicate organized collusion); and/or
6) They may send you an bogus FFL license with a ship-to address (as in the case described above).
All to say, "be careful" who you sell to using Armslist. I have reported these episodes to Armslist, but haven't really seen any reaction. They maintain a non-participation strategy regarding transactions. My advice (if you use Armslist) is only sell locally, in person and (I suggest) only for cash.
Notwithstanding these incidents, I have bought and sold several firearms over recent years in the Colorado Springs area, after selling or seeing guns on Armslist, to some very honest folks and have never had a problem with "local and legal" transactions. But when considering a transaction with long-distance buyers, you take your chances these days. I hopes this helps someone; sorry for the lengthy post.
In the last two years, at least four different attempts have been made by so-called buyers (all out of state) who were trying to scam me. Basically, what they try to do is get you to ship a firearm in exchange for payment which is bogus (i.e., a fake cashiers check or money order). The schemes they use are clever, often sending a copy of an FFL license of a local dealer willing to ship the gun. What happens is they send you the bogus payment, you ship the firearm, and then the payment instrument turns out to be worthless.
While I have certainly seen through the scams and not reacted, the attempts were made. In one case the buyer sent a copy of an FFL license from Nevada and copy 'n pasted my local FFL dealer's license number and information on it (much to his surprise) - saying he was the local FFL through which I could ship the firearm. We saw through that scam immediately and reported it to the BATFE, but my FFL received calls from gun sellers for 6 months afterward because the buyer apparently pulled the same scheme elsewhere.
Here are some signs to look for if you're suspicious of someone (not local) offering to buy a firearm that you've post for sale via Armslist:
1) They appear not to have read your posting; ask whether the firearm is still available; what the condition is(?) - even though this was part of your posting narrative;
2) Sometimes the sentence structure and grammar in their email is peculiar, like it was translated or written by someone who doesn't speak English;
3) Their emails are always lengthy, explaining how they will conduct a transaction with you;
4) They offer you full price, no dickering, plus shipping and want to send you a cashier's check or money order in advance;
5) They may say they can't personally accept the firearm (if you maintain that you only sell locally), but they have a local third party who will take the firearm on their behalf (could indicate organized collusion); and/or
6) They may send you an bogus FFL license with a ship-to address (as in the case described above).
All to say, "be careful" who you sell to using Armslist. I have reported these episodes to Armslist, but haven't really seen any reaction. They maintain a non-participation strategy regarding transactions. My advice (if you use Armslist) is only sell locally, in person and (I suggest) only for cash.
Notwithstanding these incidents, I have bought and sold several firearms over recent years in the Colorado Springs area, after selling or seeing guns on Armslist, to some very honest folks and have never had a problem with "local and legal" transactions. But when considering a transaction with long-distance buyers, you take your chances these days. I hopes this helps someone; sorry for the lengthy post.
