[ranchero7]

Hi - I had posted a part needed ad. I've received two different posts from people on the ad where the person joined that same day and said something like: "Joeblow ( with an email address) has what you're looking for." I followed through the first time and saw no less than three email addresses and was directed to pay by google pay or ZELLE. I asked for pictures of the part and didn't hear another word.

jparadis992. and will765 were the member names, both created on the days that I received the messages.

TIA

 

[AstroWill]

Yep, extremely common on all web forums these days.

 

[markmitch]

What are you actually looking for? Best thing to do is look at the person profile or see what posts he /she has been involved in to see if they are a long term member or a newby. Nothing against new members but those of us that have been here a while kind of know each other somewhat form here at least. Mark

 

[AstroWill]

Thanks for letting us know, next time please report the messages that they send you.

After looking into it, I marked them both as spammers.

 

[ranchero7]

What are you actually looking for? Best thing to do is look at the person profile or see what posts he /she has been involved in to see if they are a long term member or a newby. Nothing against new members but those of us that have been here a while kind of know each other somewhat form here at least. Mark

Hey Mark - looking for driver's side lower b-pillar cover for a 2003. Tan preferably.

 

[markmitch]

Oh ok I only have 1st gen stuff right now

 

[MI_Ghost]

When a new member claims to have recently met a long dead and inactive member.
You know it is a scam!

NEVER buy anything from email sources unless you personally know them!

 

[AstroWill]

While you do have to be careful. Usually long time active members are your best bet, but even that is no guarantee. You have to feel it out yourself and you are responsible for the transaction so use common sense and if it feels a bit off, trust that feeling.

Really in person transactions are the best, I have met a TON of great members on here in person by buying stuff.
I recently did a $500 transaction with someone out of CA, didn't have a long post history but had something I wanted, so I paid with Paypal(NOT friends and family), with FnF there is no buyers protection. Yes it costs like 3% extra because of the fees, but could be worth it if you have any problems. It went through just fine and they waited for confirmation that everything was good before releasing the funds.

If they ask you to pay with a money order, GP, Zelle, or Paypal friends and family, or other similar payment options, there is no buyer protection for that kind of transaction, so you are rolling the dice a bit. I don't mind that for cheaper stuff, or with long time active members, but with a complete stranger out of the blue.... not going to happen.

 

[markmitch]

I agree I bought a set of center caps for my van from a guy on facebook and did it through pay- pal it was risky but it all went fine I got the caps and he got the money.