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Indydenny

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 5, 2002
427
522
Midwest
A few days ago a new user posted on this forum about some camera equipment for sale. A mod quickly and properly removed the thread (I assumed moved to the proper forum).

However, before the post was moved, I emailed the person. He said that he owned a Sony A7RII and got a Sony a6500 for a wedding present and wanted to sell it, along with some other gear, for $700. I know, too good to be true.

He emailed me and, at my request, called me to talk about his gear (me thinking a scammer would not be willing to make such a call). He told me that he would take the gear to a shipping agency and they would record what was placed in the box and send a tracking number. I could then check that the package was truly on its way, and then go and send a Moneygram to him for $740 (including shipping and insurance).

After consideration, I told him that I was cautious and would not buy. The next day he emailed me, telling me he didn't want to lose his gear either, but he would send it to me and I would pay half on receiving the tracking number. After the gear arrived and I inspected it, I could send the other half. Sounded fair.

The following day he sent me a tracking number email and the link to check that it was on its way. It all checked out (it is below with my personal info removed). I was still suspicious so began a search on SprintFreights Delivery before taking my money down to pay.

And I learned that it was a fraud -- a very elaborate one. I emailed him that the "jig was up," called the police to make a report and they forwarded it to internet fraud. He emailed that I was "cheating him" by not sending the money. Of course, I have heard nothing since!!

Just thought that I would warn you all as well. The guys name was supposedly Thomas Moore.

Screen Shot 2018-01-13 at 7.14.42 AM by Karden 422, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2018-01-13 at 7.15.56 AM by Karden 422, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2018-01-13 at 7.15.05 AM by Karden 422, on Flickr
 
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Another fraud to watch for becoming more prevalent on Amazon. People damage their gear, order new from Amazon, when package arrives, swap new for old and return to Amazon for refund.

Then you go an buy an item, it areives and someones old crappy one is in the package. This has happened to me twice now. Once on a lens where they swapped a Sony 24-70 f2.8 for a 24-70 f4, then agan today where I bought a filter and the one that arrived has been dragged across a gravel floor or something as it is wrecked! So be careful people...
 
Another fraud to watch for becoming more prevalent on Amazon. People damage their gear, order new from Amazon, when package arrives, swap new for old and return to Amazon for refund.

Then you go an buy an item, it areives and someones old crappy one is in the package. This has happened to me twice now. Once on a lens where they swapped a Sony 24-70 f2.8 for a 24-70 f4, then agan today where I bought a filter and the one that arrived has been dragged across a gravel floor or something as it is wrecked! So be careful people...

This happened once to me in my favor. I got a better lens that what I ordered. Apparently someone returned the wrong lens and probably regretted it. Played with it a day, but then returned it as I would have felt guilty keeping it. (Zeiss 24mm)
 
This happened once to me in my favor. I got a better lens that what I ordered. Apparently someone returned the wrong lens and probably regretted it. Played with it a day, but then returned it as I would have felt guilty keeping it. (Zeiss 24mm)

Thats a nice lens! Yes I would have returned it too... my guilt would have got the better of me... unlike your shall I buy a lens flowchart!

The point I was trying to make in my comment - which didnt work - was that I dont need a flowchart... I cave in at step one normally... :)
 
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Another scam I heard of on Amazon was somebody ordered a Nikon D810. All arrived and seamed fine. Later they had an issue with the camera and returned it to Nikon for repair.
Was then informed that although the body said D810, the internals were from an earlier camera.
I don't trust Amazon as they do zero checks. You could set up and be selling counterfeit goods very easily.
 
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Another scam I heard of on Amazon was somebody ordered a Nikon D810. All arrived and seamed fine. Later they had an issue with the camera and returned it to Nikon for repair.
Was then informed that although the body said D810, the internals were from an earlier camera.
I don't trust Amazon as they do zero checks. You could set up and be selling counterfeit goods very easily.

That is terrible!!!
 
Agree. I use Amazon for some stuff, but I prefer to buy from proper shops.

I don't disagree with this but our local camera shop (like many others) closed last year and now it is more than an hour's drive to visit one. Tough times for brick and mortar shops!
 
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Local shops will survive as long as there are newspapers. It's good that you caught the scammer. I always say if someone is trying to give away something, its too good to be true. Its good to share your info. My core of friends always ask me where to buy gear.
 
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