Deals Gone Bad

I haven’t bought or sold anything used since before the pandemic.  Between the scammers and the shipping companies damaging stuff it took any fun away.  I live in Chicago so there is a decent population density for in person deals, and I’ve probably taken less value on a few pieces than I may have gotten elsewhere on line, but decided it isn’t worth the hassle 

EBay was fun two decades ago, when I bought a nice Stellarvue Apo telescope as well as some used audio gear for a second system.

 I find it to be a mixed bag now, sometimes a cesspool. With the exception of some brick and mortar stores using it as an outlet, audio gear is typically exorbitantly priced and often shady. Want to pay double for tired C-J gear than on Audiomart or Audiogon? I’ve been cheated, for example, from a fake New Balance outlet store that gave an explanation for why my shoes were months late by saying “they were on the boat from China” for US-made shoes. I was reimbursed for this fraud from my credit card. But I used to order New Balance 990’s from a legitimate NB outlet on E-Bay, not anymore. There is no longer oversight of the shady stuff it seems.

I was recently scammed for $1500 after posting a want ad on usaudiomart. The individual pretended to be someone else with great feedback on head-fi and was listed as a member here on audiogon. Unfortunately, like most sellers now, the individual wanted to be paid PP friends and family to avoid claiming the sale to the IRS. It’s also unfortunate that I can no longer trust anyone. Lesson learned!
 

BTW- the individual was removed as a member on audiogon. He probably scammed others and someone had him removed. 

Ebay support has gotten more convoluted and taking to a real person when there's a problem is nearly impossible. Caveat emptor indeed.