Don't be a victim.

[beanhead]

Couple of ripoff threads on here lately. And, while there's usually two sides to the story, I do agree that we've had some members legitimately get taken advantage of. Finding things on the 'net can be great but BE SMART about this kind of stuff!
So...I thought I'd post up a few bits from a relative that's served in various levels of law enforcement:

-These scammers prey on your excitement. Don't let your feelings override a bad sense that you may get about a certain transaction. Numerous times the victim said "it didn't feel quite right, but I went for it anyway because (whatever reason)"...
-Don't hand over payment without taking posession of (whatever it is). Just don't do it! No matter how bad you want it, or how legitimate it may seem. A good scammer knows the law and will use it to their advantage.
-Be certain you're satisfied with (whatever it is) before closing the deal. Realize if you're buying something online, that you can't personally hold in your hand, you are taking a huge risk. Don't expect to be dealt with fairly in the event you are unhappy. The honor system does not apply.
-Go into all transactions with the thought that, once you walk away, they and your money are gone forever. Don't assume the police will be able to bring any sort of conclusion to the matter because most times all they get is a dead end. Most departments simply don't have the resources to continue to hunt for these people; if there isn't quick progress or, say, multiple victims begin appearing, there's nothing more they can (or will) do. Again, the scammers know this.
-It's critical to be 100% certain if you are paying by cash. You have little legal recourse afterwards without proof of funds transfer such as a paid check or credit card statement.
-Often enough simple internet searching will give you a good indicator of who you're dealing with. So take a few minutes to sit down and Google, it might save you a lot of headache and money.
...oh and protect yourself as a seller as well!

 

[zyzzyx]

I've sold some items here and what I look for is someone who has been on for
any decent amount of time. I read some of their posts and get a warm and fuzzy
for what kind of person they are. So far so good! No big dollar stuff. I agree, you have to be careful!
I know if someone ripped me off, I would spend an awful amount of money to reach out and touch
someone!

 

[Kern Dog]

In 2014 I was gathering as much cash as I could to pay for the 2015 Challenger that the Wife and I wanted. I sold 4 cars and numerous parts HERE and on FABO. I never had a sale go bad, I never delayed shipping parts and I always sent a tracking number immediately after shipping. In about 2 years I put together enough money to pay cash for the car while leaving my other accounts alone.
It isn't difficult to be a good seller. Describe your wares honestly, set a fair price and keep the buyer informed.

 

[eldubb440]

with today's phones, "face timing", and hi tech; photos are now obsolete and pretty much rendered useless....... it is now possible to use real time, detailed video to both buy AND sell; or at least get a more realistic idea if a deal is worth pursuing

 

[Dennis H]

Yup, Caveat Emptor. The excitement part is right on.

 

[chargervert]

There are people who want to take your money,and giving you nothing or junk in return! Its sad that its happening in our hobby! The internet is great for finding things,but shitbags can find you too!

 

[Basket case]

and if laying out some serious cash...car high dollar parts...see it in person. Or there are plenty of members here that have offered to look at an item in person.

 

[moparnation74]

The recent situation....The "perp" has multiple aliases, multiple locations listed under those aliases in a particular state and multiple names associated with a phone number......Anyone who buys a car "SIGHT UNSEEN" and only goes off of pictures is a complete idiot..........

The last rare pricy NOS part I purchased. I had 5, FIVE experts not including myself look at the part.....

The old phrase, "if the deal seems to good to be true" Well, guess what!........

 

[Lefty71]

I've heard members here mention before; please also keep in mind, that unless you are buying NOS in a perfect box, then please lower your expectations a bit as well! No one likes to be ripped off, but don't expect perfection from used parts, because thats truly all they are. Beanhead is correct in his assessment tho, be smart, and don't jump at every chance.... it'll still be there tomorrow, and it may dawn on you why, especially if you look into the sellers former sales across the 'net.

 

[moparnation74]

I've heard members here mention before; please also keep in mind, that unless you are buying NOS in a perfect box,.

When you buy that "perfect" NOS box with the incorrect version of that part in it versus the one that was "once" in that box....But hey the box is correct and the part "looks" correct.....Be very careful stating information like this because I would hate someone buying a part and saying, "it has to be correct because the box is perfect". There is A LOT of fraud going on with NOS parts...I have been purchasing them for decades.....Ask me how many I actually bought in the last year versus how many I had to turn away from! The number is staggering........

Only a handful of people even know the "reality" of true NOS..

There are very very very few "true" NOS parts even being offered....By true means the ones like the "factory line" parts......They are not the same all the time....

 

[Paul Boucher]

@beanhead Thank you for posting this. I was thinking the same thing. It's called due diligence. Anyone purchasing something, especially high value/cost should do their due diligence. I always research and find out as much as I can about what I am buying and whom I am buying from. I saw the word "trust" thrown out a lot in these situations, but I have always believed in "trust but verify". A lot of trust was placed in strangers. I have family members I can't even trust, let alone someone I don't even know. You have to do your research, assess the amount of risk, there will ALWAYS be some, and then decide if you are willing to accept that amount of risk. And if your gut is telling you something doesn't seem right, PLEASE listen to it! And if you need confirmation or a sounding board, then that's what we're here for. Trust me the guys on here won't hesitate to give it to you straight, and will try to help advise anyone about to take a risky gamble.

 

[beanhead]

Thanks for the good replies guys. Without prey, the predators will move on or starve.
I've done a little business through this forum too, and had good experiences. Check, search, search again..

 

[dadsbee]

NOS = New Old Stock which in 95% of the cases equals no real bearing on whether it's actually a line correct part, or even a factory first 10 year service part from over the counter. A 20 year old part that was bought from Mopar Performance can be called NOS.

Oval cleaner Fram filters come to mind. Not many true "NOS" ones out there that are really truly NOS parts that are 40+ years old with a metal punched hole element face, but they have a screen mesh instead that were superceded in on the same part number in the late 70's. These are still sold as NOS and technically are so, but they sure aren't what came down the assembly line.

Or the "NOS" filter I bought from a member here that had 4 rows of punched holes and not three and he didn't have a box. Or the "NOS" BEEP BEEP horn I bought from a member here in an clean unmarked box, that as best we can determine is a repainted and decal'd NOS jeep horn.

Due diligence is required on both the seller and buyers part. Some sellers believe what they are selling is NOS... some make **** up. Some buyers know what they are buying and others, even me, trust what the seller is listing... if they've been around here long enough that is.

 

[moparnation74]

NOS = New Old Stock which in 95% of the cases equals no real bearing on whether it's actually a line correct part, or even a factory first 10 year service part from over the counter. A 20 year old part that was bought from Mopar Performance can be called NOS.

Oval cleaner Fram filters come to mind. Not many true "NOS" ones out there that are really truly NOS parts that are 40+ years old with a metal punched hole element face, but they have a screen mesh instead that were superceded in on the same part number in the late 70's. These are still sold as NOS and technically are so, but they sure aren't what came down the assembly line.

Or the "NOS" filter I bought from a member here that had 4 rows of punched holes and not three and he didn't have a box. Or the "NOS" BEEP BEEP horn I bought from a member here in an clean unmarked box, that as best we can determine is a repainted and decal'd NOS jeep horn.

Due diligence is required on both the seller and buyers part. Some sellers believe what they are selling is NOS... some make **** up. Some buyers know what they are buying and others, even me, trust what the seller is listing... if they've been around here long enough that is.

Wonder who you taught you those "true" details on those Oval Fram filters, lol......99.9% of those filters offered anywhere are incorrect......I wish that thread where all these details were discussed with photos was a "sticky" thread......

 

[67belsat]

Been selling parts for years I have 100% feedback on ebay but fees drove me from there Im also a gold seller on racingjunk but I tell you its hard to sell stuff ive listed on here and craigslist I cant give stuff away.I don't sell anything unless I would buy my self.I also sell ford stuff and will set up In Columbus Thanksgiving weekend and have always done good at that swapmeet.I always encourage people to come look stuff over if they are with in reasonable distance cause I hate to sell a part and it cost just as much or more to send it.I enjoy meeting people and talking cars and I always have the welcome mat out and a cold adult beverage ready.
Mark

 

[chtampa]

I bought my repop Recall Wheels from a guy named Bill Atwood in Connecticut and prepaid a large amount for them. I found him here but he moved us off site real quick so the deal wasn't in emails where I could rate the sale here. When they came, one of these new wheels was damaged from running the wrong lug nuts and all four were a different width than he stated. There must have been some sort of rain storm up there since all the wheels had shrunk a full inch and then it knocked out his cell phone service and internet because he never answered his phone or emails after he got his money. CT is a long way from Florida but karma will set it straight some day.

 

[chargervert]

There was talk at Carlisle of people making repop sheetmetal look like NOS parts,with primer and stamps and asking NOS prices for them! You have to do your homework as Justin said before parting with your money!

 

[Dibbons]

Good advice, but trying not to get excited finding a 43-year-old NOS carburetor is a difficult thing to do!

 

[BeatersRus]

great thread,even the Title is perfect,can the mods Sticky this topic?
ty again Bean

By true means the ones like the "factory line" parts......They are not the same all the time....

you talking about lunch pail parts ? wink.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

I bought my repop Recall Wheels from a guy named Bill Atwood in Connecticut and prepaid a large amount for them. I found him here but he moved us off site real quick so the deal wasn't in emails where I could rate the sale here. When they came, one of these new wheels was damaged from running the wrong lug nuts and all four were a different width than he stated. There must have been some sort of rain storm up there since all the wheels had shrunk a full inch and then it knocked out his cell phone service and internet because he never answered his phone or emails after he got his money. CT is a long way from Florida but karma will set it straight some day.

I have to say that I know Bill well and just find it hard to think that he MISrepresented parts he was selling.There must be more to this and I will ask Bill about it.