25.00 flat rate shipping

The new Agon $25 flat fee is a good idea.
Allowing the seller to post his phone number is a good idea.
Also allowing the buyer to email the seller like the old system used to work without first having to be read by a carbon based unit would be a good idea.

But,.... none of the above stops a scammer from hacking an Agons members account and listing a bogus ad.

What would, I believe, is before an ad would be posted by the Agon automated system an authentication code would be sent to the email address of the Agon member.

A simple message,

>>>>>>>>>>>>
An ad has been entered in the Agon classified ad system using your username. If the ad was placed by you enter the supplied authentication code in the box provided and click enter.

The ad will not be posted unless AudiogoN receives the correct authentication code.

AudiogoN will never ask you to login to your account through an email supplied Link.
>>>>>>>>>>>>

Something to that affect.

The authentication code is only sent to the username email address listed in the members profile. At no time is the authentication code listed in the username's Agon account.
.

Jea48- +1

The authentication code is only sent to the username email address listed in the members profile. At no time is the authentication code listed in the username's Agon account.

If a member's account was hacked, would the hacker have the ability to edit the profile? I don't know, just asking.

If a member's account was hacked, would the hacker have the ability to edit the profile?
04-22-13: Tls49

Tls49,

Yes. But if the hacker changes something in the members profile the agon system sends an email to the member's Verified email address that is on file with Agon.

Recent changes have been made to your AudiogoN account information. If you made these changes, there is no further action required.
If you did NOT request these changes, Please notify Audiogon Support immediately by clicking here

The hacker does not want the real username Agon member to know his account has been hacked.

The idea is to use the true username and his/her 100% feedback for the bogus ad listing.

The hacker conveniently lists his email address in the ad so a potential buyer can reach him/her directly. Very nice of the hacker.

Question comes mind.... If a hacker lists a phone in a bogus ad does the Agon automated computer system compare the phone number listed on the ad to the username profile phone number?
.

Well, all that matters is the buyer and seller can talk and exchange info and be sure all is on the up and up. I always talk to buyers and sellers on expensive deals. One can quickly get a sense of the person with a phone call.

I have never had a problem with anyone willing to talk to me. I pass on deals when folks don't.