Am I getting scammed?

Lillis · #1 03-12-2024, 03:09 AM

Well my CEO7 sold on reverb. Buyer wants me to ship it to New Jersey and his friend will take it to him in Brazil. Just doesn’t feel above board but I’m naturally suspicious on things like this. Once payment clears am I safe to ship?
His message:

Hello brother! Let me ask you… whats the faster way you can send the guitar?! I mean, I from Brazil and a friend of mine from kearny NJ will come to Brazil and bring the guitar to me. Can you help me get this guitar delivered before march 21st please?

Thanks
Jim

lowrider · #2 03-12-2024, 03:52 AM

Think of it like fish, if it smells bad, it probably is bad.

I don't like private internet buying or selling at all anymore. Way too many things go wrong. I'd stay away.

KenL · #3 03-12-2024, 04:40 AM

You are wise to be suspicious. How does he intend to pay you?

Lillis · #4 03-12-2024, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenL

You are wise to be suspicious. How does he intend to pay you?

Through Reverb. Am I covered when Reverb says I can ship guitar? Seems like I’d be off the hook at that point but not sure.

KenL · #5 03-12-2024, 04:52 AM

I'm with lowrider, it smells bad.

It is a fine guitar, and your price is reasonable. Surprised it didn't sell here on the AGF.

But I would wait for a less suspicious buyer. One will come along.

Mr. Paul · #6 03-12-2024, 05:05 AM

Not 100% sure on this one. There is a reason PayPal requires shipping to a verified address, and this transaction would not fit that criteria. Shipping to a friend or relative of the buyer is highly suspicious. But, if Reverb says it's ok to ship it seems that you are protected under their rules.

If the buyer has a history in Reverb that would be a plus. In any case I would contact Reverb and get their ok documented before shipping.

dbintegrity · #7 03-12-2024, 05:23 AM

Hmm IDK... Who is buying the guitar? Reverb is the security here... If it is purchased through Reverb and is shipped as per instructions from Reverb, Reverb will be 100% responsible.... There is ALOT of kooky buyers out there... Just make sure everything (payment and shipping wise) is on the up and up through Reverb and you'll be safe...

rollypolly · #8 03-12-2024, 05:38 AM

Very suspicious but could also be a legit person just trying to get a guitar that is probably rare in his country. But why did he need to tell you about it? Couldn’t he have just put in the NJ address and that’s it? That’s where the fish starts to stink.

Dave111 · #9 03-12-2024, 05:42 AM

Urgency, and deadlines, are big red flags.

Lillis · #10 03-12-2024, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollypolly

Very suspicious but could also be a legit person just trying to get a guitar that is probably rare in his country. But why did he need to tell you about it? Couldn’t he have just put in the NJ address and that’s it? That’s where the fish starts to stink.

Yeah. The trusting side of me thinks he just wants to let me know he needs it to get to his friend before he leaves. My suspicious side makes me wonder if he's rushing me to send it before payment clears which of course I wouldn't do.

soups · #11 03-12-2024, 05:52 AM

How is the payment being made? This smells like a scam.

lowrider · #12 03-12-2024, 05:52 AM

If you think anything could be wrong, stay away.

Sure, you have protection from Reverb, but do you want your guitar gone and be sitting there waiting for Reverb to get the money back from some guy, who you really don't know where he is?

FLRon · #13 03-12-2024, 05:55 AM

Anytime another person is brought into the transaction, in this case a friend from NJ, I am immediately suspicious. Add to that a request for expedited shipping to another country and red flag #2 just went up. I smell scam.

Sdrew22 · #14 03-12-2024, 05:57 AM

How quickly did the CEO sell? A quick sale is also a good indication of fraud.

Jamolay · #15 03-12-2024, 06:14 AM

I would report as potential fraud to Reverb and decline the sale. You have a guitar that will sell, so don’t take chances.

The red flag for me is not just the intermediary, but the deadline. Today is 3/12. To ship it anywhere in the US without exorbitant expedited shipping costs, in time for it to get there by the 20th, you will have to send it today, maybe tomorrow. Unless you know that the funds are already secure, that is too quick.

Additionally, what are your recourses if the guy in NJ says he never got it? Now you have a complaint with an unknown person not actually associated with the sale or reverb and have to negotiate with someone in Brazil, who isn’t even the person you sent the guitar to.

Not worth it to me, anyway. Be patient and wait for a less sketchy sale.