More Scammers Trying to Register

[Forum Boss]

We get 20-30 new user signups every day.

I personally background check each and every sign-up.
That represents over 500 hours of unpaid labor every year.

We are seeing a new trend. The scammers are trying to directly register, presumably so they can post fake ads and solicit personal info via PM.

They are often using real American persons' names, but attempting to connect with VPNs and Apple private relay. One came from Nigeria, another from India. In some cases they are getting the names and addresses from USA obituaries.

This is why we do NOT allow VPN and Private Relay connections to this Forum.

We are also seeing a trend where some people are listing only their first name and state in the registration. That won't suffice -- I need to verify the ID and city/state before ANYbody will be allowed into this Forum.

The other issue is that people are using really lame passwords that are easily hacked.
I don't want to go into details but the shear stupidity of some of the password choices would shock you.

Let's just say you were looking at a football forum and the user's chosen password was "chiefs" or "49ers".

 

[Forum Boss]

I want to also emphasize to people that you must be wary of any person who sends you an unsolicited email or PM regarding a sale.

ALWAYs insist on custom NEW photos of the product for sale. Tell the seller to put the item in a different location with something tied around it.

Check the Area code of the message -- make sure it is consistent with the REAL seller's location.

If anyone requests payment via PayPal F&F, Venmo F&F, CashApp, or ZELLE you must refuse and then block the sender. (But possibly try to get a name and address first to report to me). PayPal Goods & Services is OK (except for guns, ammo, primers, powder).

Any seller here who demands F&F or Zelle is subject to having his account permanently terminated, his seller history wiped out, and his internet IPs permanently blocked.

And very importantly -- do not spend a penny without a VOICE phone call. Pick up the phone and talk to the seller -- ask questions!

 

[Bill Norris]

We get 20-30 new user signups every day.

I personally background check each and every sign-up.
That represents over 500 hours of unpaid labor every year.

We are seeing a new trend. The scammers are trying to directly register, presumably so they can post fake ads and solicit personal info via PM.

They are often using real American persons' names, but attempting to connect with VPNs and Apple private relay. One came from Nigeria, another from India. In some cases they are getting the names and addresses from USA obituaries.

This is why we do NOT allow VPN and Private Relay connections to this Forum.

We are also seeing a trend where some people are listing only their first name and state in the registration. That won't suffice -- I need to verify the ID and city/state before ANYbody will be allowed into this Forum.

The other issue is that people are using really lame passwords that are easily hacked.
I don't want to go into details but the shear stupidity of some of the password choices would shock you.

Let's just say you were looking at a football forum and the user's chosen password was "chiefs" or "49ers".

Stupidity is what we can expect from that kind of a rotten so called human.

 

[Davers]

We get 20-30 new user signups every day.

I personally background check each and every sign-up.
That represents over 500 hours of unpaid labor every year.

We are seeing a new trend. The scammers are trying to directly register, presumably so they can post fake ads and solicit personal info via PM.

They are often using real American persons' names, but attempting to connect with VPNs and Apple private relay. One came from Nigeria, another from India. In some cases they are getting the names and addresses from USA obituaries.

This is why we do NOT allow VPN and Private Relay connections to this Forum.

We are also seeing a trend where some people are listing only their first name and state in the registration. That won't suffice -- I need to verify the ID and city/state before ANYbody will be allowed into this Forum.

The other issue is that people are using really lame passwords that are easily hacked.
I don't want to go into details but the shear stupidity of some of the password choices would shock you.

Let's just say you were looking at a football forum and the user's chosen password was "chiefs" or "49ers".

I started using the internet back in 1997, using "Dial-up" as that is all we had. Over the years as advancement made in the internet, I've noticed the internet is being used to steal from others. This is a shame as it seems that when something good comes along, there is alway group of individuals trying to use the internet for evil or stealing.

 

[joshb]

I called a guy about a gun sale yesterday, after asking for his number. I would like to say it only took a few minutes to confirm he was a good guy but we got into a friendly and rather long conversation about shooting, business, where we lived and life in general. He was a really nice guy to talk to!
I don’t see why people won’t do it.

 

[PatMiles]

I called a guy about a gun sale yesterday, after asking for his number. I would like to say it only took a few minutes to confirm he was a good guy but we got into a friendly and rather long conversation about shooting, business, where we lived and life in general. He was a really nice guy to talk to!

This is how I handle any of my possible purchases. A 10 minute conversation with enough loaded questions to satisfy me that the seller knows about what he is selling.

 

[tommeboy]

So happy you are doing this @Forum Boss Why do you think it seems that there are more scammers trying to get on this site than others?

Or is it that a lot of the other sites staff just don't care or talk about it?

 

[steve210]

Scammers are everywhere!

 

[WSnyder]

Why do you think it seems that there are more scammers trying to get on this site than others?

Or is it that a lot of the other sites staff just don't care or talk about it?

It is happening on other forums for sure and while the admins may not be as aggressive as here on AS some at least are trying.

Some of the younger generations don’t like to talk to people directly on the phone. Generational thing.

 

[Mark W]

I called a guy about a gun sale yesterday, after asking for his number. I would like to say it only took a few minutes to confirm he was a good guy but we got into a friendly and rather long conversation about shooting, business, where we lived and life in general. He was a really nice guy to talk to!
I don’t see why people won’t do it.

I had a very similar experience this morning and after the sharing of some more information, we spoke again this evening and closed the deal. It was areal pleasure.

 

[Rwfish]

If you think it’s bad on protected forums like this one check out Facebook groups or marketplace. I would bet that 50% or more there are frauds! Its really disappointing to see as this and some other hobbies you used to be able to trust people…..

 

[rlporter507]

I use your advice on all forums im on now. A guy posted some stuff for sale on target talk that i wanted, he had just joined a couple days before. scary, but pm'ed him got his number, had a great conversation with him, turned out he joined just to sell his stuff and was legit. also found he had a air rifle for sale and bought that also.
that doesnt happen a lot, but in this case a good guy with good stuff.

 

[DRK]

I called a guy about a gun sale yesterday, after asking for his number. I would like to say it only took a few minutes to confirm he was a good guy but we got into a friendly and rather long conversation about shooting, business, where we lived and life in general. He was a really nice guy to talk to!
I don’t see why people won’t do it.

It is happening on other forums for sure and while the admins may not be as aggressive as here on AS some at least are trying.

Some of the younger generations don’t like to talk to people directly on the phone. Generational thing.

I will not buy anything on this board if we cannot talk on the phone and you will not take my check. I always pay, the hell w/Zelle & PP F&F.

I am 38 next month, never been afraid to pick up the phone. If you need attention, the phone is the tool to use.

 

[1911nut]

I called a guy about a gun sale yesterday, after asking for his number. I would like to say it only took a few minutes to confirm he was a good guy but we got into a friendly and rather long conversation about shooting, business, where we lived and life in general. He was a really nice guy to talk to!
I don’t see why people won’t do

Before long it’ll be AI on the phone

 

[muddy72]

I will not buy anything on this board if we cannot talk on the phone and you will not take my check. I always pay, the hell w/Zelle & PP F&F.

I am 38 next month, never been afraid to pick up the phone. If you need attention, the phone is the tool to use.

Yup, means what he says! He's a excellent at communicating!

 

[jpjulian]

Just an FYI. My Credit Union wants their members to use Zelle for money transfers. It is their preferred way to transfer money. A little over 2 weeks ago our checking account was hacked. Not our ATM or credit card, our checking account was hacked and we lost a considerable amount of money through a fraudulent Zelle transfer. We don't use Zelle, never have. When we notified the CU of the fraud they cancelled all of our accounts and we had no access to our money for nearly 2 weeks. Fortunately we have a CC with another bank and have been able to access funds and make purchases with that card. We still don't have checks and I still can't use an ATM. It has been holy hell trying to get things fixed with new accounts, changing all direct deposits and bill payments. The Credit Union is trying to get the fraudulent Zelle transaction reversed but I am not gonna hold my breath. That money is zeros and ones in the digital hinterlands. DO NOT USE ZELLE FOR ANYTHING. PERIOD. NOT FOR ANYTHING WITH ANYONE. PERIOD. THE RISK IS VERY REAL AND SUBSTANTIAL. We could have lost everything. We are very lucky we only lost what we did.

 

[nakneker]

It’s sad that the boss has to dedicate a substantial amount of time filtering liars and thieves, just sad.

Forum Boss: Yep, it takes a couple hours a day... every day of the year. But some days I'll spend 4-5 hours on security matters.

 

[Forum Boss]

Yes... ZELLE is incredibly risky. We recommend that all members immediately disconnect any Zelle functionality on any bank, savings, or investment account.

ZELLE potentially allows a third party to access your account directly with zero protection from the bank and no insurance.

It is like giving a car thief access to your car's Key fob.

Members should immediately check with their bank and ensure that Zelle functionality is disabled on all accounts.

NOTE: Zelle is officially turning off the Zelle personal App after 3.31.2025 (tomorrow). Zelle will still exist but has to be used via bank systems: "Access to Zelle® will only be available through the mobile banking apps of participating banks or credit unions."



Draw your own conclusions -- this change is certainly being done to protect against fraud. Once the Zelle class action lawsuits reach the juries, I predict there will be even more changes...

 

[Kisatchie]

We are very fortunate to have Forum Boss, and it is a shame that his time has to be wasted because of these criminals! I am taking all of your advice now for future transactions here and elsewhere. I have had several great phone conversations and opportunities here with solid members, it only takes letting your guard down once to become a victim and as in my case a targeted victim for another transaction scam from the same individual. Member profile research, Phone conversation with many requested details, multiple verification photos on item listed, Money Order or Check no more electronic payments. Report issues to Forum Boss from now own in addition to post to warn other members of possible scammers information identification, numbers and emails or any details given.

 

[Forum Boss]

As I have tried to explain many times...

PayPal Goods & Services with Fees is OK.
It has buyer protection!
But it still may NEVER be used for Guns, actions, ammo, powder, primers.

PayPal Friends and Family (F&F) is BAD -- NO buyer protection at all. NEVER use F&F!

It is apparent from this thread that many members still do not understand the difference.

And I am aware that some members are defiantly continuing to use F&F for sales. They should be aware that if PayPal finds F&F being used for product sales, then PayPal may lock the seller's account and hold the money. Bottom line, even as a seller, PayPal/Venmo F&F puts you at risk. Just don't use it!