So I have a deal set up for a new to me pre here on Audiogon. The issue is the seller only wants to excepts a certified bank check. I have never paid this way before and I am a bit nervous. He says all the right things almost to much honestly. He does on the other hand have fifty some positive reviews and I talked to him on the phone as well. Which is when I got a bit more suspicious after he offered me a deal on a disk player at below half market value. He seems genuinely nice but I’m sure the best scammers do. Is there any way to get extra insurance that everything is legit? And would you guys be ok with it being he has 50 positive reviews over nearly 20 year span? Looking forward to people thought. And thanks.
I think I’m more concerned that he is who he says he is. But I could be crazy. Just know there are all kinds out there, and I’m nervous to drop 2k in the mail just on faith. But I do really want the preamp and the price is a bit below normal. Plus I impulsively already made him a official offer, if that really matters. I guess it does to me, but still nervous.
Don’t do it. I don’t think any legitimate A-goN user would have 50+ transactions and has not accepted PayPal. Read the feedback. If there is no mention of "he doesn’t accept PayPal" or "he required a cashier’s check", then there is your answer. Buyers would have at least mentioned it in feedback IMHO.
Bummer, but very glad you guys are available with sound advice. Would be bit of a nightmare if he scammed me. Am I kinda screwed as far as him being able to give me a bad review since I made him an offer accepting his terms? If so it’s better than being scammed I suppose. And is there any truly safe way to deal with him if he is willing to accept payment differently. If there was I would like to give him the option I think.
Seller may be just fine and simply have his own ways. However, you obviously do not feel right about it so you should pass. How to deal with the promise you would buy and then walking away from it is a different question.
Agreed that is the biggest bummer in the end. I do take my word serious but I’m not rich enough to take the risk just for my honor. The most I can think to do is offer to pay for his listing fee.
If he’s old school he should take a personal and ship when it clears. If that is not good for both of you pass. If he doesn't poeesess the chops to get a PayPal acct. he will have to get out of the selling biz sooner not later. Has this time victim even heard of Zelle? Maybe no bank account either.
Asking for a cashier's check is a legitimate request. However, if that was not specified in the original ad, you have a legitimate right to back out if you're not comfortable with it.
150 sales, he should have an account on more than one message board. Communicating that way would be another step in the process. Seems legit if the sales were recent. My biggest concern is someone else is using the account after it was left behind for whatever reason. Good luck
OK, now that we have the details, the payment method is listed as Escrow.com. The seller needs to agree with the terms of Escrow.com. If he insists on a cashier's check sent directly to him, move along.
He’s probably legit but I would pass. Btw, there’s lots of fake cashiers checks as well. The kicker is that it takes 10 days for you to find out. If you ever receive a cashiers check for anything, wait 10 business days before shipping merch.
Most people are honest, have faith in humanity. He's ok. Think how clean your hands will be from all the wringing they'll do waiting to see if ya got ripped off. LOL
Nearly $2 billion in consumer fraud per year in the US.
I sold a McIntosh amp to a guy by cashiers check more than 15 years ago. Today I marvel at the risk that guy took and how his nerves must have been waiting on it. He just sent that check out into the ether. I would never take that risk, personally. There is way too much used audio gear to be had to screw around with anything less than the safest methods.
I followed the link in tvad's post. The seller says this "Certified bank check only. Pick up cash only and save shipping costs from Lambertville, MI. Will also meet up to 50 miles for a safe transfer." (I don't see anything about Escrow.com but perhaps tvad saw more than I do.) When you agreed to the sale I think you agreed to the terms. If you are uncomfortable with the terms now the first thing you should do is ask Audiogon: What will Audiogon do if you back out? What will Audiogon do if the item never appears or doesn't work properly?
I would _never_ buy an item online with a cashier's check. The service PayPal provides is not just transferring money; it is providing some insurance to the buyer: if the item never arrives the buyer can file a claim with PayPal. The seller may think PalPal is a nuisance - because it is a nuisance for the buyer - but it is not a nuisance for the seller.
BTW: A cashier' check and a certified check are not quite the same thing. For a cashier's check you give the bank the money and they write a check from _their_ account. Fora certified check, you write a check on your account and the bank sequesters the amount from your account but doesn't take it out until the check is cashed.
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