I did something really stupid a couple hours ago. I did everything but follow basic protocol when purchasing this user, or in my case, a user outside of this forum. I fell for the tactic and I deserve losing $20.00. Let me explain. I posted a request to purchase the HasLab Victory Saber blade accessory in the 'Wanted' forum a few days back. I got a PM from new user ''christhayer", who referenced me to a seller via email who had the part. I immediately contacted him and we discussed addresses and everything before purchasing. He indicated that my location (Illinois) was further from where he was (California) and that it would only be fair if I name a price. I cross-referenced similar items on eBay and went with $20. He confirmed that that was a fair price for the item and I paid him through his 'son's PayPal account' which had the Friends and Family setting on. To those who may not be aware, the Friends and Family setting prevents disputes, so any sort of refund must be paid back by the other side if money has changed hands. Here's the insane part: I asked him for the pictures of the item AFTER the transaction was complete. I am dumb. Stupid. Maybe worse. He said that he'd send pictures soon as he got home but nothing came out of it ever since. I became aware that it might have been a possible scam after I found the message and the user christhayer disappeared from the forum entirely. I contacted him about christhayer disappearing and asked him to tell me if the deception was true. He never produced an image of said item nor did he defende himself in any way. He's been silent since. $20 gone. I've been had. How could I be so gullible? I had too much faith in the forum. Also, I lacked basic common sense. I should have only picked the item up from a trusted seller on this very site and I should have requested some other sort of trustworthy information like recommendations from other customers... I am soooo stupid. So, to help protect others in the forum here are the details of said individual in case you come across them too: fake new user: christhayer name and email of gmail only seller: Rick Beckham, [email protected] name and Paypal account email of said user's "son": Eden Howell, [email protected] There is a great chance said individual has multiple accounts and handles. Just stay away from any new users that propose having items that they have no proof of. Definitely stay away from them if they aren't being hosted by TFW2005 itself. I feel really stupid for having fallen for the trap. I was too trusting. I hope that something from this may help some of you down the line to identify these scammers.
Always go Goods & Services. I have never heard of a setting that locks out one or the other. When sending, you always have the option to do G&S. I don't want misinformation spreading around. Also, use a credit card if possible as they'll work with you to get the money back even if PayPal won't.
I know it's been said, but always use Goods and Services. And always use a credit card. With that being said, I'm really sorry that you lost 20 dollars.
For everyone reading this, if anyone out of the blue PMs you and asks about a particular item you might be interested in and then to e-mail someone else or to go to a site outside of TFW2005, please report it. Do not engage, especially if the person PMing you is practically a "new user." Thank you.
This happens a lot more than anyone knows. Unfortunately we usually can't act until it's reported, so we rely on the users here to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
I'm literally dealing with the same problem, a scumbag guy on flebay ripped me off for a red beachcomber. There's some options for you, ic3.gov file a report and small claims court in his city is a possibility. !!!BEWARE!!! this guy off flebay is a total scammer!
As a reminder to all, please report the PM if you see anything as listed in the original post of this thread: I quoted this because the "account"/"user" will PM people and ask if you were interested in buying a TF product or a 3rd party TF product and to e-mail someone who is outside of these forums. The PM could also try to direct you to a facebook group or anywhere else outside of these forums. Either way, whether the e-mail addresses match what you see in the first post in this thread or not, please report it right away! Do not respond, do not engage! Thank you from the TFW2005 staff.
