Scams in Buy/Sell forums

[windcoast reefs]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Would it be feasible to restrict new users' access to the buy/sell feature until they have been a member for a few months and/or have minimum number of posts, like 20,30 or 50? RC does this I believe & although it's still no guarantee, I reckon it would discourage at least a few of the would be scammers.

I think this is a good idea, I think it would definatly reduce the number of scams.
Also give you a little more confidence in buying from new users.

[Aquattro]

Honestly, it doesn't happen that much, and I know people who's sole purpose of signing up is they are shutting down, someone suggested posting here and they list their stuff. They really don't want to hang around for months talking about stuff they no longer have interest in. I only recall one incident where someone actually got ripped off for a controller, and 4 years later I found it and offered it back to the guy who should have got it.
We have another case now where someone signed up here has clearly robbed people on RC, but not here yet and I've banned the account and removed the posts.
We may possibly have a third, but still too early to tell. The first was actually from a long time member with years posting, so that wouldn't have helped. The benefits to the members in getting deals I think outweighs the risk that something goes sideways.

So even if we're up to 3 in 10+ years, that's not bad. If you're going to send money, use paypal so you have some recourse.

[Northernseacorals]

If you are sending money write them a cheque, and memo exactly what it's for; if they cash the cheque it's like entering into a contract if you needed to plea in small claims court.

Much better than paypal.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Northernseacorals

If you are sending money write them a cheque, and memo exactly what it's for; if they cash the cheque it's like entering into a contract if you needed to plea in small claims court.

Much better than paypal.

Much easier to find them too, so another good option. One of the people that got scammed on RC filed with paypal and got a refund, so that's still a good route.

[fencer]

I got scammed once a couple of yrs ago on this forum... it wasn't much. Don't think he is around anymore. One thing I learned.....if they say they sent it ask for the postal reciept or tracking number as proof...in my case he said he threw it away. This was the only incident that I have had....

[ktsalt]

Long time Members or Junior members it doesn't matter, scams can happen at anytime. What happened to the rule "if its too good to be true, then it likely is" I know there are great deals on CR but ppl lets not let our guards down and start sending money to a stranger! Take a step back, the deals of the centrury always pop up

[marie]

Originally Posted by ktsalt

...... I know there are great deals on CR but ppl lets not let our guards down and start sending money to a stranger! Take a step back, the deals of the centrury always pop up

I have sent money to complete strangers on canreef many times and called myself an idiot the whole time I did it Thankfully I have never yet been scammed out of my money (I have been scammed a few times shipping corals but that is a whole other story )

[Coral Hoarder]

Lol this is why i don't ship cuz with my luck it would get lost

[hfp75]

On another forum I'm on there is a trader rating system... It seems to work well. At least you can see if they have a positive or negative trading history!!!!! Also you can see how many trades they have done!

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Would it be feasible to restrict new users' access to the buy/sell feature until they have been a member for a few months and/or have minimum number of posts, like 20,30 or 50? RC does this I believe & although it's still no guarantee, I reckon it would discourage at least a few of the would be scammers.

Originally Posted by windcoast reefs

I think this is a good idea, I think it would definatly reduce the number of scams.
Also give you a little more confidence in buying from new users.

This is a good idea in theory.... But think about why most people are here. It's for buy and sell.

I hated not being able to post but and sell on rc and even though I can now, I stay here because it appeared more welcoming to new members.

It's a rarity. And anytime you shop online from an unknown person, its your risk.

As Brad stated.... A single poster is buyer beware. Ànd seriously, it's crazy to wire money to somebody hoping they will ship unless its a business.

Scams will never disappear. It's a shame.