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 Topic - WARNING - Possible FS Forum scam to be aware of
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 by - Alan James - UKC and UKH  on - 09 Dec 2012 - www.ukclimbing.com |
Someone carried out a scam on the forums a few weeks ago which is difficult to spot in the context of the generally trusting nature of the UKC FS Forum, but easy to avoid if you follow some simple rules when buying and selling.
A user registered an account under a name (almost certainly a made up name and temporary email). He then looked through the various FS and wanted threads and picked on a few people who had expressed interest in certain specific items. He then emailed them using the UKC email forms and did the deal off the forums so as to leave no real trace for us here. Users who entered into deals with him reported sending payments or part payments and then hearing no more. All this happened 7 days after the account was first registered.
By Following the Guidelines for safer trading this sort of scam could probably be avoided.
Guidelines for Safer Trading
Buyers
- Check posting history of the seller by looking at their registered date and clicking on their profile to find older posts. Be wary of those who have only just registered (green 'L' next to their name). Be VERY wary of those who have no posting history at all.
- If dealing with sellers with no history then request a reference from them from someone on the forum who does have a history.
- Make sure sellers communicate with you using a landline phone number. This doesn't need to be posted but get it off them before you send money.
- If dealing with large payments suggest doing a part-payment as a deposit.
- Request that communication goes through their work email address.
- Post feedback for successful transactions.
Sellers
- Establish a history on the forums before you sell gear.
- Don't send gear without receiving at least a substantial deposit.
- Get a landline phone number and check it if trading using deposits.
- If dealing with a buyer who has no history, then request a reference from someone on the forum with a history.
- Post feedback on successful transactions.
If people have suggestions for ways these guidelines could be improved then please post on this thread.
Thanks
Alan |
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