Fraud and scam, how many of you are victims?


I was a victim of the most unpleasant experience just recently.I thought i was buying a preamp, but it proves i have been sending money to a scammer. It turns out the seller had been using a stolen ID and digitally manipulated photos.
I managed to get in contact with the fellow whos ID had been stolen, and it proves many more have been scammed like me. I'd like to point out that this is NOT through Audiogon, but another big sight.

Utterly painful when it's borrowed money. This makes me totally rethink any future purchase on the used marked.

I wonder how many of you fellow audio-friends have had this happen to you?

rird
All the more reason to buy from an actual dealer, especially if it is a local dealer. 
Borrowed money to make payments to buy used. There is plenty to rethink here for sure. Start with, borrowed money....

I don't use paypal for larger amounts. Also like to add, paypal has not proven to much help in the past. Yes, i did a bank wire.
First time ever this has happened to me through 20 years of deals in most of EU, Asia and USA. Mainly wanted to check if anyone else had same experience. Personally i have had a few hobbies so there's been alot of money going. Yes, most funded through loans. 
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No issues for me, for sales and purchases through Audiogon. I have also used Canuck Audio Mart for a speaker purchase, and no issues there either.

I strongly prefer Audiogon when buying, and from someone with excellent feedback and transaction count.

Like others mentioned, PayPal is the only method of payment that I will use. Never had any issues with them, and they were helpful when I reached out to them one time regarding the speaker purchase through CAM.

@rird, would you mind sharing which site this happened on?
Are we allowed to share this info on Audiogon forums?