Potential PM Scam

[Ropeman]

It has been brought to our attention that other fora have been targetted by a scammer who is scanning the classifieds to find an ad where the seller has turned down an offer, he then registers under a name almost identical to the seller and PMs the potential buyer claiming a change of heart and giving his bank details.

We are largely safeguarded against this by a few things. We have restrictions on who can post a thread in the classified section so any PM you get has to be from someone with 100+ posts or who is a contributing member (name on the PM will be in green).

If you do any business by PM please be certain of who you are dealing with and check both of these things.

The fact that unregistered people can't access the classified section also helps

[ANDYLASER]

This also highlights why any "offers" should be sent via PM and not posted on the forum. Its not just good manners, we do have these rules for a reason.

[underground]

This also highlights why any "offers" should be sent via PM and not posted on the forum. Its not just good manners, we do have these rules for a reason.

Although there are a lot of 'PM sent' followed by 'PM replied - this is still available' kinda posts which are also a giveaway, I'd assume - so in some cases not infallible (although it doesn't reveal any specifics).

I know you can't legislate against everything though so the above advice is good to know. I hadn't taken any notice of the green username.

[shogun]

great idea about the 100+ posts ...i have been scammed by someone on another forum he didnt have much posts...i paid money into paypal & then his account was deleted...atb alza

[BladeScout]

100+ posts before selling is fine by me.
After all, the forum is about exchanging knowledge first and foremost IMHO.
Further more, if one is genuinely interested in what is being discussed here, a 100 posts will fly by.
Im a member on a forum, where new members only have to have 25 posts before being able to sell stuff. Still people bitch!