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Buyer Beware of Late Part 2

O.K., so I realize it's not Audiogon's job to protect us from our own stupidity, but the scammers keep coming! The latest was by Kokilo and Smith00, both advertising B&W speakers at super discount pricing (red flag #1) with no feedback (red flag #2). This time, however, Kokilo listed an Iowa zipcode, right in my neck of the woods, so I thought I'd have some fun. I replied that I wanted the speakers and would pay cash, but would pick them up in person, please reply. No answer. I sent another email stating that Audiogon had given me his address (they don't, just for the record) and I was on my way to pick them up. No answer. I then told him that my brother-in-law, an Iowa State Patrol officer would be with me and not to be alarmed when his patrol car pulls up in front of this house. No answer again! My last email stated I was on my way and have the speakers ready to go. What a surpise..no answer! As of last night, he had "sale pending" and now, he's no longer a member of Audiogon. I really hope no one sent this thief any $. Buyer beware, don't be stupid, know who you're dealing with.
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rlew
19 posts
 
I wish to interject.
On the flip side, you can have scam buyers. I have come across several prospects, which I suspect as scam buyers and I just ignored or pass on their offer to purchase. I had the same story line that was recently written about on the current issue of Stereophile.

These buyer(s) advised that they will send me a cashier cash/money order from a friend (3rd party) that happens to owe them money, albiet this may be true.

I had another buyer that wanted to come to my home and pick up, like cash and carry. But this member was new and had zero feedback. I am cognizant of inviting stranger to my home and putting myself/family at risk. Any of you been in a similar situation. If so, I wish to hear your experience.

Note: I have invited several gon members with a long standing history to my home for audition, etc. but I am leary of some complete stranger with no history popping up out of the blue.



maich
37 posts
 
Look,you guys are playing it all wrong. I was checking out a too-good deal on eBay -- no feedback but approved by SQUARE TRADE. Very terse emails back -- I was more than suspicious, so declined to bid, but had put out the word that I was very interested.

Surprise! -- his winning bidder refused to pay because he (the bidder) wanted to use PayPal which the seller had no use for. I asked where he lived to get the zip for shipping estimation costs, and he said San Diego (where I live)!

I played a little more with him, setting the whole thing up, but then revealing that I was local and could just pick it up. Since he was already locked in to certain extent, he played like that was fine for awhile, then did not answer further.

I got his address from the SQUARE TRADE folks after expressing my misgivings and went to check it out -- there was no apartment matching the number he gave, so SQUARE TRADE banned him after that. Somewhat satisfying, I must say.
ketchup
692 posts
 
Velo62,
I saw that MC1201 for 2k, too. no feedback. stuck out like a sore thumb. I asked the dude about the amp's exact application (single monoblock) and guess what... no response. He probably doesn't even know what a monoblock is. I also told him I'd buy it if he would accept verifiable payment! LOL. I emailed audiogon and thankfully it's gone now. I wasn't sure if audiogon was getting my emails because they don't reply, but I guess they are :)
mr_hosehead
207 posts
 
Why does it seem like so many of these are targeting B&W wants? A couple of today's "interesting" ads:

"B&w NAUTilus like new10/10" $2999/obo 10/10 zero-feedback seller

"B&W 802 MATRix series iii black ash speakers" $1200/obo 10/10 zero-feedback seller

"B&w 800 Nautilus like new" $2900/obo 10/10 zero-feedback seller

Is it just me, or is there a pattern there? Of course it doesn't help 'em when there appears to be a slightly more legit listing for B&W 800's for $11K on the same day...

Hope I'm not accidentally dissing any legit member (although at least one is already no longer a registered member...), but it sure seems that the scamming is trying to prey on B&W lust (or greed) and that will just make it tougher for any truly legitimate B&W seller or buyer to make a good deal.
fpv
15 posts
 
Krell FPB 600 for $1500 back up for sale...in my neck of the woods. Let's see if I can go pick it up :)
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