WUS Scam?

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djh1201
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WUS Scam?

Post by djh1201 » Sat Oct 23, 2021 5:02 am

So a guy in Europe wants to buy my watch (for sale on WUS) with a bank transfer and have me ship it to his buddy in Colorado. He's been a member of WUS for 5 years with NO activity other than his one conversation with me.

To me this screams scam, I reported the conversation but the moderator basically told me I'm paranoid and he didn't seem any problems. Thoughts?

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mattcantwin
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by mattcantwin » Sat Oct 23, 2021 6:53 am

Not sure where the scam comes in.

Shipping to Colorado is simpler for you than to Europe; either way he's the same WUS member with no activity.

If you're concerned about his lack of activity, wait a few extra days after funds hit to ship watch (with his approval).


Interested in hearing how others see this.
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ChuckW
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by ChuckW » Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:28 am

Once the funds are in your account, there should be no way to reverse the transaction. Bank transfers are more secure for the seller than PayPal FF.
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r.palace
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by r.palace » Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:31 am

Had a similar situation a few years back on WUS. Gambled and shipped the watch to a relatives house per buyers request therefore cancelling out the seller protection on PP.

Difference was he did have at least some activity on the boards.

I have sold to WUS members w little to no activity but the PP addresses have at least been verified.

That’s my 0.02
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deepcdvr
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by deepcdvr » Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:50 am

I would do that in a heartbeat
VR/
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TSD
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by TSD » Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:51 am

Even with a wire, be very careful. The scam we see with our trust account is that someone’s wire hits and then funds are later pulled back because they bounce a check on the originator’s end. Just be sure the funds clear and you move them before you ship.

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OrangeSport
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by OrangeSport » Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:27 am

Wait until the funds are clear. Ask why he wants it shipped to the US address (I would guess it'll be easier for his friend to deal if there's an issue with watch and maybe to try and avoid import tax).

What country is the buyer in? Europe isn't really a place on this reslect, there can be different rules and regulations.

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djh1201
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by djh1201 » Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:51 am

Thanks guys, someone else just bought it.

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toxicavenger
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by toxicavenger » Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:52 am

once the funds clear there is nothing for them to scam you with.

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djh1201
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by djh1201 » Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:59 am

TSD wrote:
Sat Oct 23, 2021 7:51 am
Even with a wire, be very careful. The scam we see with our trust account is that someone’s wire hits and then funds are later pulled back because they bounce a check on the originator’s end. Just be sure the funds clear and you move them before you ship.
My understanding is that can take over a week?

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mattcantwin
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by mattcantwin » Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:23 am

djh1201 wrote:
Sat Oct 23, 2021 8:51 am
Thanks guys, someone else just bought it.
That solves things.
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BacoNoir
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by BacoNoir » Sat Oct 23, 2021 11:17 am

I’ve done it because the buyer had a family member who would bring it over to home later to avoid the 20-30% import duty. I just got him to agreed that his brother had to inspect it on receipt and there were no returns after that.
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Steve O.
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by Steve O. » Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:18 pm

I'm glad it worked out. I'm always a little suspicious of any transaction that is not straight forward. I get a lot inquiries From guys on WUS with very little post counts, some who have been members for years. Occasionally from some who have joined just to send me a PM. As long as the watch is being shipped to their verified address, or they are willing to pay Friends & Family, it's generally not a problem. Still, I'm much more comfortable with someone who's been around a while with multiple posts. Also, first thing I do is look them up in the Deals forum.
Last edited by Steve O. on Sat Oct 23, 2021 6:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Mr_Pacman
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Re: WUS Scam?

Post by Mr_Pacman » Sat Oct 23, 2021 1:36 pm

Whenever I have concerns like this dealing with a buyer without any history, I just tell them that I want to be paid via Western Union. Once I go down the the WU depot and have the bills in my hands, I then ship the watch out. Eliminates any risk on my part and I usually offer to split the cost of the Western Union fee with the buyer. Last time I did this, on a 2k USD watch, it was about $50 in fees on my end which I was fine with.

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