SCAM ALERT -- Scammers Send Texts Pretending to be Sellers

[60723]

Asked if a product was still available this morning on this site. Within 30 minutes I had a text wanting shipping info. Texted back that I sent a PM on Accurate Shooter and told them to respond to the PM and then I would call them back. Don’t know how they got my phone number. The PM was answered by the correct person and verified he had not contacted me.

 

[Forum Boss]

People can do a search for your phone number using your last name and the city which is visible in your profile. There are multiple online databases which can reveal this information.

It is also possible you put your phone number in a past public post.

We are working to remove the location which appears when one highlights a Forum user name.

My caution to ALL members:

NEVER EVER send money in response to an UNSOLICITED TEXT.
NEVER EVER send money without a VOICE PHONE CALL.
NEVER EVER send money via Zelle, CashApp, or Friends and Family (Paypal or Venmo).

Because of scammers I recommend that people do NOT use any part of their last name in their Forum name.

We do NOT have phone numbers in our database -- so the scammers are not getting the info here (unless posted in a thread). But they may be using AI to search multiple forums to get a phone number.

Bottom line -- you MUST assume an unsolicited text regarding a sale is from a scammer.

We are considering blocking all access to the Classifieds by non-registered members. But the scammers would still be able to get past posts through Google searches.

 

[rijndael]

@Doc Jones - I found your phone number in about 30 seconds. You posted it here.



https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/selling.4092659/

Forum Boss: Yes he posted it in that post. I have removed the number, but it was there. People need to be aware that this is the latest scam. The criminals see a prospective buyer, then send a text pretending to be the seller.

NEVER EVER send money in response to an unsolicited text!

 

[jds holler]

Forum Boss said,
We are working to remove the location which appears when one highlights a Forum user name.

Dang, I've always enjoyed finding out the general location of folks who are posting. I can see how getting too specific could lead to a problem such as you mentioned though. jd

 

[60723]

Can you change your forum name and keep your trader history

Forum Boss: Yes you can change the name. But here the issue is you posted your phone number in multiple posts.

We just spoke on the phone. I'll look for the name change.

 

[hogpatrol]

Boss, Why is there a profile post? This is where unknowing, unsuspecting, members post their phone numbers, addresses and other personal info. PSA: DO NOT DO THIS! PM your info. Don't post it in a profile post. Sheesh.

 

[Presis Skytter]

Forum Boss said,
We are working to remove the location which appears when one highlights a Forum user name.

Dang, I've always enjoyed finding out the general location of folks who are posting. I can see how getting too specific could lead to a problem such as you mentioned though. jd

I agree. When looking at buying things it was nice to know if it was close enough to pick up local. I wonder if removing city but still have state would stop the scammers.