New scam - Gunbroker

[Josh Loewensteiner]

Friends- a new scam has popped up on Gunbroker. People are taking photos of guns off of sites like Gunsinternational and posting them as auctions on Gunbroker. Happening more and more - imagine my surprise when I saw one of my own guns listed “for sale” by some clown in Oklahoma on Gunbroker with a Buy It Now price of 1/3 of my price!? A word of caution to be careful - if it seems to good to be true it probably is. I recognized my own gun in a heartbeat - others may fall for this. Not sure what can be done about the scam - I emailed the seller and he took my gun down but others are still up.

Stay safe.

[Stan Hillis]

Thanks for the reminder, Josh. It's really nothing new, though. I have known of this practice for years. Occasionally someone will notice another instance of it and post a warning. Good reminders for us all to practice due diligence.

Good luck with the sale of your gun.

[Russ Jackson]

It's been going on for a few days with at least three different guns ,I watched the one 28 Gauge sell twice in a 24 Hour period ! No point in contacting GB they never seem to do anything about any issues you have ! I called the Dealer that had this particular 28 Gauge on Guns International to inform him but never got an answer on his contact info. ! It is unbelievable to me how lawless everything has become !

[Dean Romig]

Today it’s not only “buyer beware” but also Seller Beware!!





.

[edgarspencer]

Many years ago I was watching a Special Order 1894 on GI. Then it appeared on GB at a much lower price. When I emailed me the seller requesting a specific picture, He said he was traveling but He would tell his friend to hold it if I sent in 25%. It began to smell. I emailed the known seller on GI and he pulled his listing.
Ironically,I found it and bought it at Baltimore the next year.

[Russ Jackson]

This is the one that sold twice in one day and danged if it isn't listed again right now ! " https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896826700 "

[Brian Dudley]

Watch out for “NR” users. On both sides. Period.

[CraigThompson]

This is nothing new ! Ten or so years ago there was a group supposedly in the Midwest that had a bunch of nice nice old Winchesters on GB and the money was going to the UK same kinda thing . Stealing others pics and posting for sale yadda yadda yadda .

[Joseph Sheerin]

This is the one that sold twice in one day and danged if it isn't listed again right now ! " https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896826700 "

That same guy has a very nice Ithaca G2 20ga for buy it now at $2100.

Heck, I was thinking about it when I saw seller had no ratings, and the price of the gun was too good to be true.... So, hard pass.

[Joseph Sheerin]

Watch out for “NR” users. On both sides. Period.

This is the truth, it's a shame it has to be that way, as it makes guys who are new to GB have a tough time making a sale... But, if a seller has NR, and the price of the gun seems better than you think it should be, move on.

[Paul Ehlers]

One good practice is to put some form of generic identification on the pictures you post on the for-sale sites. This won't stop things entirely but it will make the scammers be hesitant to grab your pictures and use them on other sites.

Here's an example of what to do. A simple 3x5 card with your chosen generic I.D. placed in the picture would work as well.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/parker-shotguns/parker-ghe-410.cfm?gun_id=101566295#lg-1

[Dean Romig]

Excellent point Paul!





.

[Jay Oliver]

This is the one that sold twice in one day and danged if it isn't listed again right now ! " https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896826700 "

Russ I was planning on going to look at this gun in Connecticut next week. This kind of stuff used to just happen on sites like "Gun Auction".

Usually, once the price crosses the $1000 mark I want to either talk to someone on the phone or at least exchanges some messages before I bid.

[Bill Murphy]

Buy the gun, get the address to send payment, drive to that address. Maybe pick up a member of the local sheriff's department on your way.

[edgarspencer]

This is the one that sold twice in one day and danged if it isn't listed again right now ! " https://www.gunbroker.com/item/896826700 "

Russ, the REAL seller of that gun lives 5 miles from me. He’s legit. And his name ain’t Perkins.

[Loren A Wilcox]

I looked at a gun on GI about a year ago the seller was not a Verified Seller I contacted GI they informed me not to buy until seller was verified. GI contacted me after he was verified and I had no problems. Loren Wilcox Thanks Guns International

[Richard Flanders]

I'd likely try to put a mostly translucent water mark of some sort - the legit dealers name/address or trademark - over some part of the gun; that would be very difficult to photoshop or crop out. You'd have to show more pics and put the watermark over a different part, but that would likely slow this program down considerably.

[Andrew Sacco]

I'd likely try to put a mostly translucent water mark of some sort - the legit dealers name/address or trademark - over some part of the gun; that would be very difficult to photoshop or crop out. You'd have to show more pics and put the watermark over a different part, but that would likely slow this program down considerably.

The other option is to ask the seller to send you a current photo with an iPhone. Sometimes you can use a free exif viewer to view the data on it including date/time it was taken. That way you know they have possession of the gun.

[John Davis]

A fully restored VH 28 ga for $4150??????

[Joseph Sheerin]

A fully restored VH 28 ga for $4150??????

For a little over 10k, a guy could pick them up a very nice SxS starter kit.

Parker 28ga
Ithaca Grade 2 20ga
Winchester Model 21 12ga with some nice wood & engraving.

At least this scammer has good tastes in shooting irons... :D

[Joseph Sheerin]

BTW, here is the Nick Kusmit engraved model 21 on GI for 12K.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/winchester-shotguns---model-21/12-ga-win-model-21-grade-4-winchester-custom-shop-gun-engraved-by-nick-kusmit.cfm?gun_id=101522851#lg-8

[John Dallas]

I had a chance to handle the M21 Grand American given to Lee Iacocca for his 50th birthday by the VP's at Ford. Most garish, over the top mess I've seen

[Mills Morrison]

I reported one of them this morning and it seems more have popped up.

[Zacharysmith]

One of my posts was hijacked a couple days back just how Josh mentioned. I reported this to gunbroker and have heard nothing.

[David Noble]

I checked the VH28 sellers completed auctions on Gunbroker and he has sold that gun five times!

[Brian Hornacek]

Further to the above mentioned gun....

I was board last night and hit the buy it now on this NR feedback 28 gauge VH for fun. The location he lists is 3 1/2 hours from me so I sent a note and said I will be down to meet at a local FFL with cash in hand and transfer. He relisted the gun again and also has a very cheap model 21 if your interested.

1st pic. is my bargain buy, 2nd his relist and 3rd actual gun for sale.


Real ad

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/parker-shotguns/parker-vh-28-ga-this-is-not-a-reproduction-a-real-early-28g-40-ser-41-119592-40-pre-1980-41-larry-del-grego-restoration-with-letter.cfm?gun_id=101582891

Scam

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/897132943

[Mike Koneski]

Can't wait to receive my Parker VH 28 restored by Turnbull!! Glad I had Mills CC info!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

[Mike Koneski]

I have some very interesting punishments for those criminals. They are as bad as credit card hackers and telemarketers.

[Dean Romig]

I have some very interesting punishments for those criminals. They are as bad as credit card hackers and telemarketers.


I'll bet you do.... Lots of "shovel-ready" land and some "up to the task" farm machinery. :whistle:





.

[Dean Romig]

Gunbroker needs to shut down until the owners and administrators can take some responsibility and weed out these scam artists and install some preventative tools.





.

[Brian Hornacek]

Gunbroker needs to shut down until the owners and administrators can take some responsibility and weed out these scam artists and install some preventative tools..

I filed a very clear fraud claim and no action, it’s sad.

[Bruce Hering]

This kind of stuff is exactly why I dont buy except from known dealers with a rep.

I once got into a thing trying to buy a 4 piece Scott fly rod from a guy down in Nashville. I should have known when he was not available to make a face to face as he would be out of town on the date I suggested twice.

Finally we set a date and I said I wanted to meet at the Nashville Gun club/ Tennessee Clay target club.

That was the last I heard from him and the add vanished.

[Joseph Sheerin]

Wow look at this one... hahaha

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/897107141

[John Davis]

A hammerless 28 gauge Parker made in 1870’s, that is a rare one.

[John Allen]

If you have doubts about a gun,ask the seller for photos of something that is not shown in his photos. If he does not respond stay away. There have been several of my guns show up on gunbroker and armslist that I did not list. Thankfully,several of the members here notified me. The best thing we can do is deal with a known dealer and spread the word if you see an ad that looks fake.

[Dean Romig]

Hahahaha... and it's an AAHE that weighs 10 lbs. :rotf::shock:






.

[Dean Romig]

Which auction sites have these frauds shown up on? ... just so I'll know which ones to stay away from.





.

[Brian Dudley]

I know that these sorts of things have always happened to some extent. But It seems to be much more prevalent recently. I would say that the crazy market may have something to do with it.

As an aside, in November, December and January I was selling a lot on Ebay. Gun parts that I listed and also items from an estate that I purchased. I had never, ever had an issue over the years with buyers on Ebay not paying. Paying on ebay is usually an instant thing that never takes long. But I had like 5 non-paying bidders in a two week period. I never heard anything from them. It was odd as it usually has never been a problem.

[John Allen]

Dean,I have seen my guns show up on gunbroker,armslist,and even a few local classified listings. They just lift the photos and put a cheap price and usually try to get a credit card for a "deposit".

[Joseph Sheerin]

A hammerless 28 gauge Parker made in 1870’s, that is a rare one.

A rare find indeed! First 28ga Parker was in 1903 wasn't it?

People are bidding on it though......

[Craig Larter]

Very scary stuff, thanks everyone for exposing these seemingly prevalent scams. I will be WAY more careful with Gun Broker listings. Craig

[Russ Jackson]

I m in the market for a 28 gauge and have contacted the seller yesterday of this last one pictured here , just as suspected I still have no reply back or the photos I requested !

[Mills Morrison]

Just saw another scam ad. It is getting worse

[James L. Martin]

First 28ga was 1900 I believe

[Travis Sims]

Well well well. Let’s have some fun with this guy in Versailles, KY. I live here. What can we do?

[Bruce P Bruner]

I sent him a message via GunBroker:
"You are a special kind of stupid".

[Brett Hoop]

First 28ga was 1900 I believe

And Titanic. Only case I believe where fluid steel barrels were produced by Parker before Damascus.

[Jerry VanHorn]

Seems the $4350 28 gauge listing has been disabled. I tried to Email to tell him I would meet today with $$$ in hand...(Just to see what his response would be). GB says Recipient Account Disabled..

[Brian Dudley]

Another one...

This user has 4 listings. All bogus.

The scam.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/897640681


The Real gun.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/beretta-rifles/beretta-375-h-h-model-455.cfm?gun_id=101593964

[Bill Murphy]

A 455 in .375 H&H for $12,000. Where are the buyers? I guess a dozen or so have sent in their credit card info for a down payment.

[Russ Jackson]

I figure this one to be a scam also" https://www.gunbroker.com/item/897107141 " , but I can't find it for sale on any other sites ! Has anyone else seen this gun For Sale any where on line other than GB ?

[Mills Morrison]

Yeah, I noticed that one too and it looks mighty fishy.

I bought some rifle shells on Gunbroker and the guy claims UPS won’t ship them so he is going to refund my money. We’ll see. Only 80 bucks at least.

[Jerry VanHorn]

Just sent Email saying I'll meet him with $$ in hand. Just tell me where and when..Any bets on reply ??...

[Mills Morrison]

Wondering if we should get Medieval on some of these crooks and report them to the ATF

[Mike Poindexter]

Vintage Firearms and beanbaron, two well known GB players, have bid it up to $3000. Lisaneil, the seller, is NR and from Iowa. I would be very surprised if either of these two buyers would send money before having the gun in hand or at a mutually acceptable escrow agent. I sure wouldnt. Anybody here from near West Burlington IA?

[Russ Jackson]

I have sent a few times asking questions about this gun but haven't received even one reply back ! As I suspected would happen !

[Mills Morrison]

I got my money back on the shells at least. This will help ease my gunbroker addiction

[J. Scott Hanes]

I have not purchased any guns from GB for the reasons all have discussed. As for why the increase in scammers, I believe it is also an issue for other on-line purchases. I am shopping for a certain sports car and have emailed sellers 3-4 times with no response. The one who did respond was "in Iraq", the car was advertised as being in California and the "broker" where I could send payment was in some little town in Iowa!! Called the town's CoC and they never heard of the business. As I suspected.

[Russ Jackson]

Mr. Hanes , what type of Sports car are you in search of ? I am a Sports Car guy also ! As for GB , I have enjoyed buying and selling on there for years happily with few issues but this lately is a real mess !

[Brian Dudley]

I had an idea...

Whenever an obvious scam is found for a Buy it Now fixed price. People should just "buy it". That will end the listing. Just to get the opportunity to leave negative feedback saying the seller is a scammer. And just keep buying them to get the listings to end when resisted. I highly doubt that these guys are reporting non-paying bidders. So it would be no skin off the buyers back.

But of course deals like this are like trying to kill cockroaches. or more like whack-a-mole.

[Joseph Sheerin]

While I love that idea..... dealing with people like that is always a bit of a scary proposition.

I will say this, unless a seller has reputible feedback, I don't even consider a gun anymore, and I always talk to the seller before I ever send any money to them. While that's not 100%, I think you could pick off a scammer by asking the right questions......

This whole situation makes it bad for the people just starting to use GB, GI, etc.....

[Eric Estes]

Until the platforms put in more and better controls it will likely just get worse. When scammers find success they pile on in droves and will stay with it as long as they continue to make a buck. It is a shame.

[Mills Morrison]

Our favorite 28 gauge is back up for a heck of a deal.

This would be some good red meat for the gun control crowd on Capitol Hill. Make it a death penalty offense to post a fake advertisement on gunbroker

[Joseph Sheerin]

Our favorite 28 gauge is back up for a heck of a deal.

This would be some good red meat for the gun control crowd on Capitol Hill. Make it a death penalty offense to post a fake advertisement on gunbroker

Speaking of 28ga's......

Here's a couple Caesar Guerini's in the $3k range from very suspect sellers... They even have a couple of positive feedbacks, that read like a comic book....

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/898645447

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/898468041

It's gotten to the point, where if a seller does not have dignificant feedback, you have really got to be careful.... A couple of nice O/U's there are very good prices.... :-)

"Good trade....You really trustworthy" by a no longer registered user... :-)

[Mills Morrison]

Gunbroker does not make it easy to report listings and are not too responsive when you do report. Just a good reason to stay off there, except for known sellers or ones with significant positive feedback

[David Noble]

It looks like the seller Jperkins112 is no longer a registered user on gunbroker. I wonder if he gave it up or if GB finally did something about his scams. Either way it's about time. He had sold that same Parker 28ga 5 times! Good riddance!

[Brian Dudley]

It looks like the seller Jperkins112 is no longer a registered user on gunbroker. I wonder if he gave it up or if GB finally did something about his scams. Either way it's about time. He had sold that same Parker 28ga 5 times! Good riddance!

Once a few negative feedbacks were stacked up, the username was likely abandoned. And new ones created.

[Mills Morrison]

On my one bad Gunbroker experience I left the guy negative feedback and he popped up under another name.

[Jay Oliver]

When I was at the Southern and was shooting that 28 VH, everyone was was asking if that was the gun that has been sold 5 times...

Glad I got it!

I don't understand why GunBroker doesn't do more about these fake/fraudulent listings...It seems it would be easier than dealing with upset customers...

[Ken Descovich]

Jay,
I would be worried that your gun will be listed as being stolen if anyone got ripped off on gunbrokers.

[edgarspencer]

I think it’s pretty safe to say, the “winning bidder” of each of those phoney auctions has to know they got scammed. I knew of the gun, and the real seller, well before the a$$hole put up the phoney listings, and I was in the presence of the real buyer and seller when the rubber hit the road.

[Jay Oliver]

I will also add, I do have paperwork form the seller, who said that they reported what was going on GunBroker to the FBI. I am glad the listing is down.

I think we will all be much more cautious if we buy through GunBroker. And since all this starting happening I notice that I am not checking the Website as often...

[Mills Morrison]

The phony listings are one concern, but the fact Gunbroker seems slow and unwilling to do much about it is a bigger concern. I am going there less myself.

[John Allen]

Well, this scam situation with gunbroker just hit home for me. I have a set of 3 Kimber rifles listed on gunsinternational. I just got an email that they are listed on gunbroker now. After checking it out, I have contacted gunbroker but have not heard back from them yet. Somene will lose a lot of money if the sale closes in 9 hours and they give the thieves their credit card. I would advise everyone to stay away from gunbroker. I have seen at least a dozen scams like this in the past month. No telling how many have been successful. We are just catching the obvious ones.

[Joseph Sheerin]

Well, this scam situation with gunbroker just hit home for me. I have a set of 3 Kimber rifles listed on gunsinternational. I just got an email that they are listed on gunbroker now. After checking it out, I have contacted gunbroker but have not heard back from them yet. Somene will lose a lot of money if the sale closes in 9 hours and they give the thieves their credit card. I would advise everyone to stay away from gunbroker. I have seen at least a dozen scams like this in the past month. No telling how many have been successful. We are just catching the obvious ones.

What's funny in a not so funny way, is the guy got slammed on a review, then even had the nads to respond.....

It's a shame this sort of stuff is happening, and GB is not doing a very good job of policing their site.

[John Allen]

I contacted GB at 11 this morning. So far I have had no response from them. Not only will someone possibly lose a lot of money, it makes people confused and wary of buying the guns. It must be working because there are more and more fake adds showing up.

[John Allen]

Some kind soul bid it up and then gave fraud feedback. The thief is no longer a registered user on GB. My thanks to whoever did the job on this clown. Too bad we can't send an electrical charge back through cyberspacer and fry his computer.

[Ken Descovich]

Looky here gunbroker I
Has changed ownership

[Mills Morrison]

Very interesting and explains a lot