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

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.  

PayPal sides mostly with buyers who are scammers or not.

This happened to me several times.

If you are a seller, and, forced to do PayPal, never do the F&F route.

 

I would imagine Audiogon is aware of this.  With news, members may not use Audiogon fearing they will be scammed.  If this continues, there will be no reason for Audiogon to exist.