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Description
I'm gonna keep reposting this, because it needs to stay visible, so ppl can use common sense.
Hey guys, it seems that scamming is still pretty excessive on ASC, so here are a few tips when dealing with people. If you follow these tips, you should be able to tell a scam fairly quickly, and you can tell if the person you're buying from/trading to is a bullshitter:
1 - ALWAYS ask for pics. I've seen some moronic scammers use pics from google and other sources. Basically, they steal other pictures and claim it's "Theirs". There is a way to tell if a seller/trader is legitimate. ALWAYS ask for pictures with a coded piece of paper next to the gun. By this, I mean ask the person who you're dealing with to write a code, that you disclose to them via email, on a piece of paper with a marker or whatever, and take of picture of it next to the gun. Also ask for different angles of the pics with the gun and the coded piece of paper. This will prove that the gun, in question, belongs to the person you're dealing with. I was dealing with a guy about 3 days ago, for his A&K SR-25. I asked for pictures of the gun with the piece of coded paper, and he took them. It turned out to be legitimate, so I just sent out the payment to him. It also helps for you to ask the seller/trader to write your email on the same piece of paper, and take pictures of it with the gun, this way, it also proves that the gun in the picture, with the code, is directed to you. You can never be too careful.
2 - Do a search on the shipping address the buyer/seller gives you. I did it for the guy who I'm buying the SR-25 from, turns out it's also legitimate. If the shipping address you receive doesn't look legitimate (Like if it's a factory, or an abandoned house, or something that doesn't look like the legitimate residency of the seler/trader, then don't do business with him, unless you are certain he isn't a scammer.
3 - It always helps to do some research on the gun you're buying/trading for. Google the gun in question, with the specs the seller/trader gives you. Also look for pics on google, and see if the same exact pic comes up. If you see the exact same image in google, or on another website for airsoft (Unless the seller/trader can prove it's his listing, by messaging you from the website it was posted on, from the user who posted it), then stop doing business with them, as they are an obvious scammer.
4 - Ask for a video review of the gun in question, MADE BY THE SELLER/TRADER. Make sure HE made it, by asking him to make a NEW one, or at least message you from the same user who uploaded the video of the gun. This proves that the gun and the video belong to the seller/trader. It also helps to ask for a ROF test (Rate of fire) in the video, to ensure that the gun, unless described otherwise, is in working condition.
5 - When it comes to payment, whether it's a partial trade, or a cash purchase, the best way to to so is either via Paypal, as an "Invoice" payment, meaning that the paypal takes out like 2% + $1.30 from the payment that the seller receives. This is best for when you want a receipt, or a record, of the transaction. However, if you send the seller money, and they end up scamming you, then you're screwed, so please be careful. Do a search on all information the person gives you and cross check it with other references. For example, use Facebook for names, search the address for validity, and sometimes, you can find a real estate listing, stating the names of the neighbors. But if you decide to take a payment via money order, CASH IT FIRST before shipping, to see if it's a fake. After it clears, the buyer/trader would surely appreciate swift shipping.
6 - Shipping first is everyone's fear. I believe that if the trader/seller/buyer complies with all my wishes regarding proof of his ownership of the gun in question (Pics and a video), can prove his address, and can answer all my questions accurately, regarding the gun, then I believe he wouldn't scam me. BUT, if you're selling, you never ship first. Wait to receive the payment, and after it clears, then ship the gun. Buying airsoft guns from users should be handled no differently than a normal store transaction. Pay first, then receive the product after payment is given. If you're a buyer, and you're afraid of getting scammed for your cash, even if it's being handled like a normal transaction, you can always charge the seller with fraud, if he doesn't sihp out your product after receiving your payment. I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know the exact details, but it's best to find out online about claims and all.
I hope this helps the ASC community a bit. It kinda hurts to see fellow airsofters get scammed for their guns/cash. If you're a scammer, and you're reading this, go fuck yourself, because the ASC community will be well prepared for your retarded scams.
And another thing, if you guys have any suggestions or anything you think would be helpful to add to this information, let me know, and I'll add it.
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ANTI-SCAM
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