Beware of Scammer

I would like to send out a warning of a scammer in hope this doesn't happen to anyone else...
Earlier this month I posted a WTB for a 1898 Krag sporter stock. I received an email from frssst5@gmail.com. I received photos, negotiated a price and sent a USPS money order w/ a tracking number to: Bernard Moye, 6416 Morningside Circle, El Paso TX 79904. The tracking number shows the MO reached its destination. When I asked a status of the shipping and requested a tracking number, I got stonewalled. Now I don't get any response. This has turned out as a lesson learned to stay local and reduces my trust for online transactions. Karma always has a way to come around; you never know when...I hope this helps others not to be taken. This site was the last place I would think something like this would happen but nowhere is safe. Thanks

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Originally Posted by concretus

I would like to send out a warning of a scammer in hope this doesn't happen to anyone else...
Earlier this month I posted a WTB for a 1898 Krag sporter stock. I received an email from frssst5@gmail.com. I received photos, negotiated a price and sent a USPS money order w/ a tracking number to: Bernard Moye, 6416 Morningside Circle, El Paso TX 79904. The tracking number shows the MO reached its destination. When I asked a status of the shipping and requested a tracking number, I got stonewalled. Now I don't get any response. This has turned out as a lesson learned to stay local and reduces my trust for online transactions. Karma always has a way to come around; you never know when...I hope this helps others not to be taken. This site was the last place I would think something like this would happen but nowhere is safe. Thanks

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This has happened to me in response to WTB ads as well. Fortunately, with this exact same crook, I asked for specific pictures that this dumb *** couldn't find on the web and provided pictures of different scopes. That was the tell. I realized what was going on and went no further. This happened to me 3 times recently. I had another crook pull pictures from an ad off the internet from five years ago and even used the same story from the ad. I did an internet search and found it. Another red flag is that they are never able to talk to you on the phone. All I can say is be careful. There are crooks out there looking to steal your money.

We may be one of the lesser popular sites, but they are browsing EVERY site, especially gun forums, looking for WTB ads. It's a different world than the one we grew up in.

I THINK you can technically file a complaint with the USPS as mail fraud. I do not know that they will actually do anything, even if they could. This used to be something they took seriously. But I doubt it anymore. But you might get lucky.

Google shows a guy by that name being 71 years old at that address. Maybe a forum member in the neighborhood should pay him a visit? I don't suppose the police would be of much help? I would not give up so easy, keep your paperwork and go after him.

I checked and for $5 Texas DPS will let you do a search. If the guy has other convictions then maybe the police would like to know? He could be on probation for another conviction and this could provide more information for them.

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Originally Posted by Westwood

Google shows a guy by that name being 71 years old at that address. Maybe a forum member in the neighborhood should pay him a visit? I don't suppose the police would be of much help? I would not give up so easy, keep your paperwork and go after him.

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I saw the same thing online; a 71 yr old man in TX with two phone numbers; one from MS and one in TX. The TX one had a woman's voice and it goes to voicemail. Karms is a B&^%h. It may take a while.

Our records show now invidual with the email address of frssst5@gmail.com as being registered Bon this site.

If he responded from using a valid userid, please provide it and we can look him up by that information.

Regards
Doug

Our records show now invidual with the email address of frssst5@gmail.com as being registered Bon this site.

If he responded from using a valid userid, please provide it and we can look him up by that information.

Regards
Doug

Message sent to you Sir.

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Originally Posted by Badger

Our records show now invidual with the email address of frssst5@gmail.com as being registered Bon this site.

If he responded from using a valid userid, please provide it and we can look him up by that information.

Regards
Doug

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hett75 was the user ID

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Originally Posted by Westwood

Google shows a guy by that name being 71 years old at that address

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Often these scammers will use an older persons name/address as it is easier to raid their mailbox and it is easier to create an online identity (emails, phone numbers, etc.) for a person with little to no online activity and for which no one on the internet would notice.
I wouldn't be so sure the above person is your guy.

A safe practice it arrange a middle man. Often you can find a local gun store nearby the seller willing to put eyes on your item and stick it in the mail for you, and then hands whoever drops it off your envelope. The seller simply drops it off in it's unsealed package and gets their money at the same time. Offer them whatever their usual FFL transfer fee is. Regardless of whether or not it's a firearm they will generally be willing to help - transfers are in the business model. Don't ask them to make sure it's authentic etc. Just ask them to verify that the item meets the description the seller gave you.

Another possibility is to just ask them to put it up as a buy it now on eBay or gunbroker in such a way that it's impossible for anyone else to find but you, with the info they give you. You can then use the platforms buyer guarantee. In the case of non-firearms, you can use your credit card through PayPal and then use your banks fraud guarantee if needed.

Stay safe and vigilant, friends.

Just posted for this same ID user hett75 for a m38 carcano stock

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Originally Posted by concretus

hett75 was the user ID

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9 posts in just over a year and he doesn't appear to have said much such as ask or answer many questions.