Buyer Beware


Audiogon has seen a number of fake accounts trying to rip off members. If you come across an item that seems very low in price and advertised by a brand new member the chances are it is a fake account trying to rip you off. My suggestion is to not attempt to buy from any of these accounts.

 

They have figured out how to get bogus tracking accounts from USPS, which look like an item was delivered to your house. Until you can prove that nothing was delivered, which can take time, you are out of your money. In some cases, the more that time passes the less likely you can prove this.

 

I’m not sure why Audiogon can not do a better job of filtering these scammers out but there are a number of ads up now that are most definitely scams.

raymonda

Too many scammers out there. I keep notifying Audiogon when I see one and they act fast to remove them. I've been told by Audiogon that they're working on improving the security of selling on the site.

Yep and lots of good advice.  I had it happen to me. PayPal ultimately did right, but they sucked to deal with.  Tried to notify them immediately but there is NO One to talk to and they slow walk the whole process.  Agon was very responsive, But they do NOTHING to vet a seller.  Information provided by the seller to Agon - email, phone number, is not confirmed.  Agon has said they are rolling out improvements.  I was advised to contact Agon directly before buying if i had any concerns?  Good to know, but I'd rather they just do more before allowing anyone to sell the first time on their platform.  

If its a check.. only cashiers check There is no recourse once a buyer pays for a cashiers check that is it. Its the banks money that covers the check so when cashed its already a done thing. , Somewhere it was noted that PayPal is not in the business these days to recover funds. Often a buyer gets more attention than a seller.  USPS money order is a good way to go as well.   Ive done both over the years and the rest using PP.. and have been lucky.    Many stop using PP and I often consider doing the same. 

Technically a check never "clears". Banks settle with each other, but checks can be returned any time if they don't get the funds from the payers account. A certified or cashiers check has funds already removed from someone's account. so they are OK, unless they are counterfeit!

Cash or PayPal is the best bet unless you know the person or trust them.

 

I bought a pair of Odeon No. 28 speakers for $699 and a Boulder 2060 amp for $735 earlier this week just to take their listing down.