Feedback New Users Require Pictures with date/username?

[Call_me_Tom]

I suggested this a long time ago. I also think it should be required of all users regardless of post count.

I’ve been burned because a veteran poster posted an image of the item when he first bought it but when I received it, it was all banged up. The selling photo posted was not it’s current condition.

 

[Vintagearms]

As a newer member who technically resides in another state (while holding property in CA) to aid my aging father in law, I have been falsely accused of scamming here. I have zero issue with posting a pic with my user name and date. In fact, I think this should be a blanket rule . It would deter the real scammers.

 

[ikeo1]

I suggested this a long time ago. I also think it should be required of all users regardless of post count.

I’ve been burned because a veteran poster posted an image of the item when he first bought it but when I received it, it was all banged up. The selling photo posted was not it’s current condition.

I've always wanted to do it this way, but being a new site asking this was a barrier. Now that we have a reputation with good feedback and established membership, it makes sense to move this forward. I try to stay open to ideas but timing is important or things can stagnate. Perhaps that something we can consider later having the username/timestamp mandatory in the future. I think it helps really helps reduce scams and especially so when combined with some of the other security protocols we have.

 

[roger_roger]

I suggested this a long time ago. I also think it should be required of all users regardless of post count.

I’ve been burned because a veteran poster posted an image of the item when he first bought it but when I received it, it was all banged up. The selling photo posted was not it’s current condition.

I agree 100% this should apply to everyone including advertising vendors here on this site and for every sale.

And the admins here should immedialty block / remove /canel the account of anyone in violation, or anyonw known to scam.

You will be amazed how clever the scammers can be and the platforms (web sites) that allow them to hang around is also amazing. I will give you an example that just recently happened to me: At AMMOSEEK i responded to one of the advertisers, you know from the banner ads over there just like you see here on this site, I just assumed that since they had paid for an ad and since the site allowed their presence all over the site in the search results that I need check no further -->> WRONG !! - I was scammed big time by them. The vendor is even a licensed FFL ! The scammer does business as: BeeBe Family Arms, and they are still there over at AMMOSEEK to this day !!! amazing !!! Eventually I got my money back from the CC company but it was a huge hassle to effect that.

I screamed like hell to the admins at AMMOSEEK and they just said, "read our terms of service, we don't vouch for any vendors on this site, it is up to you to do your own due diligence, we do not get involved"

 

[BobGBA]

Not that I can't be scammed, but here's what I try to do.

• Have verbal conversations with the other party, to see if it's someone you want to deal with
• Buy/sell locally, face to face
• Part of the offer should include that the item is subject to passing the buyers inspection

If you can't buy/sell it locally and don't want to take a chance on being scammed, take a look at using an escrow service like Guntab.
https://www.guntab.com/
It's also on Gunbroker.

Maybe the proposal will help, but scammers are gonna scam.

 

[roger_roger]

If you can't buy/sell it locally and don't want to take a chance on being scammed, take a look at using an escrow service like Guntab.

Thanks BobGBA I appreciate the suggestion, and, perhaps it might work, or (not saying this is the case but..) there is more fine print, just like the fine print at AMMOSEEK.. here it from their "terms of service" :

GunTab is an escrow service. It only has the power to issue refunds for the fees it charges, most notably the service fee of 2.9%. It does not have the power to issue refunds for transaction merchandise, as that power belongs to the seller of the merchandise.
GunTab issues refunds solely at its own discretion. GunTab is not obligated to issue a refund under any circumstance.

You are right we all can be scammed, but my point is that I just do not want these sites to "grease the wheels" of scammers.

 

[BobGBA]

Roger,
You get a 3 day inspection period.

1. Buyer's Inspection Period begins when GunTab notifies Buyer the Transaction Merchandise has been delivered to the Firearm Dealer, and ends 3 calendar days after it begins. Buyer must notify GunTab of any dispute during the Buyer's Inspection Period. Buyer must follow the procedures set forth by GunTab in the event of a dispute. Buyer agrees that failure to notify GunTab of dispute during the Buyer's Inspection Period will be interpreted as the Buyer's acceptance of the Merchandise. Buyer agrees that Buyer's acceptance authorizes GunTab to disburse the escrowed funds (excluding applicable GunTab fees) to the Seller. Such disbursement will generally be initiated within 24 hours of the Buyer's acceptance.

Using an escrow account should protect both sides.
They buyer can file a dispute in the 3 day window. But there are no guarantees that you will win.

The real point is, do you really think a scammer would agree to use an escrow account?

 

[roger_roger]

Roger,
You get a 3 day inspection period

The real point is, do you really think a scammer would agree to use an escrow account?

Yes I see your point on a firearm that must go to an FFL first before you (the buyer) takes possession.. In that case it might well work as the FFL becomes part of the escrow-loop. But not all transactions are firearms held by an FFL.. I am an active reloader and regularly buy component supplies that are shipped directly to me.. So not sure that works with GunTab ? Anyway, I became a victim with components that they took my CC money instantly at time of sale then never shipped the product ! Not sure if GunTab could help with that sort of transaction?

 

[p--and--p]

This is for sales in the non PPT gun transfers? If its for that then obviously no because you meet the person with the money- but if its a red dot for shipping, then I would ask for a facetime phone call and go from there but a name and date is ok for that. For PPT guns, then its not needed- I hope no one would put a deposit down or pay before they meet face to face

 

[22plinker]

Gentlemen and Ladies,

Aside of all the fail-safes that could be incorporated, there is still a responsivity of the buyer to not allow themselves to get scammed.

Easiest way I've found is to talk or text with the seller on the phone and then have them take a pic of the item and send it to you. The metadata on the pic will show everything you need to see to make sure it's legit. If someone is not willing to talk on the phone or take a pic for you then maybe that's a sign to not deal with them.

I like the idea in the OP but if you have lots of 100% positive feedbacks I do not think it's necessary.

Matt



Edit: I'm new here but have almost 500 100% positive feedbacks on Calguns over the last 13 years and never once had an issue because I take extra steps to make it safer for the buyer and seller.

 

[.dC0m]

Maybe also add "caguns" to the username/date.

^I'm all for this.

I like the idea of the requirement going away after +2 feedback.

 

[roger_roger]

I like the idea of the requirement going away after +2 feedback.

Scammers love that "disappearing requirement".. They list a couple of inexpensive items, sell them, ship them fast, get great feed back then next here come the scam high dollar stuff.

I want to respond to several reply posts above that don't like the picture idea. I understand that all of them are very honest with high feedback rating on other sites and would never and never have ripped anyone off. Those folks have suggested to just be careful, check seller feedback, bond/escrow the purchase.. That is all great but the fact remains that the scam guys are professionals at their art and can and will work around all of the "scam proof solutions".. the picture thing is just a preventive measure, like locking your front door and setting your alarm system and the 9mm on the nightstand. Sure in all the years you lived there, no one has every broken into your house... yet... After you lock and set the alarm, you still can be broken into, but you do those things anyway because it is good practice and vastly lessens the likelihood that it will happen.

eBay is a perfect example, they have their roll their own escrow where they keep the funds, need proof of delivery, they have a huge feedback system,, bla..bla.. bla.. But the scammers are everywhere there, and remain very successful at what they do best, which is ripping people off.

Want an example from the gun world at eBay?. Here is one: just go over there and search for the new Garmin Chrono. They are offered "brand new in box" for a steep discount over the Garmin carefully controlled minimum pricing. Those sellers have perfect feedback.. It is all just wonderful except it isn't, read the fine print.."no returns accepted" and eBay respects that type of sale.

It's a rough world out there folks.. I will bet that everyone reading this has a 9mm next to the bed on the nightstand. Why is that?

I will hold to my position on this topic: No picture without name and date = no listing on CAguns.

 

[jedinerd]

I would also like this to be a hard requirement for all users, regardless of current feedback if they do not have two factor enabled. Another source of scams that will impact the site as it grows is password dumps from other sites allowing scammers to utilize established user accounts that share passwords on multiple sites.

 

[Gat Man]

I’ve never been duped but you think it will reduce / eliminate the spammers / scammers then I’m all for it.

 

[guncurious]

GAFS rules. Paypal G&S for new users.

PayPal has so many issues as far as defaulting to side with one side or the other (like ebay). Also... buying gun stuff with paypal? Walking a thin line if it is even allowed. I offer to pay with or get paid with paypal but always say DISCREET. If buyer wants g&s they cover the extra fees as well... if I want the risk of a charge back. Face it, bad buyers can be just as scummy as bad sellers.

 

[pikachu]

How do people get scammed during face to face transactions, if advanced deposits are never paid? Is the scam risk only for shipped transactions?

 

[riceman]

1 How exactly would you post pic/ item on sheet of paper with your username? Could still be a scam
Maybe sellers could, for a fee, get a wooden nickel or token to be added to the pic. with CGn emblem but would have to very unique, so hard to copy. Time consuming, I am sure.
Heck I would pay $5 to $10 for something like that. You can buy 500+ for @0.26 a piece.
2. Picture of funds the only way I can see that happening is with a pic of a USPS money order already purchased with seller's name on it.
Just throwing at the wall to see if anything sticks.
I never have purchased anything without texting, e-mailing or talking with either party.

 

[Radman64]

I have been doing on-line transactions since the mid 90's, never once did I ever get ripped off or disappointed with anything I bought.

 

[22plinker]

I have been doing on-line transactions since the mid 90's, never once did I ever get ripped off or disappointed with anything I bought.

I'm in the same boat with this man.

There are unfortunate circumstances but unless you let your guard down it's kind of hard to get totally ripped off. (sometimes you'll have to pass on that "too good to be true" opportunity)

A diligent buyer is a safe buyer.

Matt

 

[ikeo1]

PayPal has so many issues as far as defaulting to side with one side or the other (like ebay). Also... buying gun stuff with paypal? Walking a thin line if it is even allowed. I offer to pay with or get paid with paypal but always say DISCREET. If buyer wants g&s they cover the extra fees as well... if I want the risk of a charge back. Face it, bad buyers can be just as scummy as bad sellers.

There’s no perfect solution for this space because of the stigma. That’s why we add these non intrusive ways to help screen scammers. If they do one to two deals then scam, they burn their account in more than one place and can only do it once.

Buyer/Seller diligence is still required, the majority of transfers will go clean

I have been doing on-line transactions since the mid 90's, never once did I ever get ripped off or disappointed with anything I bought.

Not everyone gets scammed but the whole exercise is to reduce the probability of scamming with easy to do things. If it’s really a hassle to write the name and date, it’s hard for me to understand how a small easy action that helps reduce other people from getting scammed is a bad thing.

Personally I’m in favor of always including it because you know the person has it on hand and isn’t wasting other people’s time by fishing. Flakey Buyers kicking tires is another problem, but I think the feedback rating helps. Higher rating = better buyer. Low to no rating, take with a grain of salt.

I’m always looking for ways to improve the experience and to make the overall experience a better one. At some point our rules will settle down and we’ll lock’em in and changes will come slower.

I think this is an easy win that majority likes so we’ll look to implement this after we do the migration. 80%+ for it says a lot. Less work for me and our growing team and more secure for everyone here. Thanks for the input!

Keep the suggestions coming.. if you want something feel free to say something. I’m still working my way down the queue, not everything will make it but everything gets looked at.