Caution Selling Gear - Fraud Network in the Audiophile Community
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Posts: 1,149
Hey everyone, I wasn't sure what the best section would be for this so it landed here. This is actually a message from Skip (former member here for anyone unfamiliar). He felt this would be good info for the community, so please consider this a PSA. Be careful selling out there!
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There are some very persuasive scammers right now that you should know about. They seem to target gear in the $3-5k range. Yes, they have gotten me once before for a lot of money. I imagine via credit card fraud.
They pay quickly, they don't haggle on prices, and they follow several steps to keep you feeling secure. They are good at what they do. They may even show an ID or call and talk to you on the phone. These guys are pros and have a network.
There are some red flags to watch out for. A clear indicator is that they will use 'hifi', 'audiophile', or some variant in their email address. They will likely put a down payment and ask to send the rest later. If they call, check the phone number. Check Facebook or other sites for their email address. Another indicator is the email address does not match the account sending the money. If they show an ID – check the address. Google the shipping addresses and figure out where you are sending gear before you ship. If they get a hold of your gear, you will be in a nightmare to get it back.
Make sure everything lines up. Addresses, names, phone numbers, etc. If you feel like they are a ghost online or anything doesn’t line up it’s likely best to find another buyer.
Don't brush over the red flags without sniffing them out.
- - - - -
There are some very persuasive scammers right now that you should know about. They seem to target gear in the $3-5k range. Yes, they have gotten me once before for a lot of money. I imagine via credit card fraud.
They pay quickly, they don't haggle on prices, and they follow several steps to keep you feeling secure. They are good at what they do. They may even show an ID or call and talk to you on the phone. These guys are pros and have a network.
There are some red flags to watch out for. A clear indicator is that they will use 'hifi', 'audiophile', or some variant in their email address. They will likely put a down payment and ask to send the rest later. If they call, check the phone number. Check Facebook or other sites for their email address. Another indicator is the email address does not match the account sending the money. If they show an ID – check the address. Google the shipping addresses and figure out where you are sending gear before you ship. If they get a hold of your gear, you will be in a nightmare to get it back.
Make sure everything lines up. Addresses, names, phone numbers, etc. If you feel like they are a ghost online or anything doesn’t line up it’s likely best to find another buyer.
Don't brush over the red flags without sniffing them out.
Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs