Trying to make a purchase. Scam?
Edit: I am the buyer. The part that indicates that this is a scam to me is, initially asking for check or money order. They then agreed to meet for cash at a police station. It’s a long drive so I asked for a photo with today’s date next to the item or a video picking it up. They got defensive and said they are 78 years old, not computer savvy, and to go get my own somewhere closer to me.
EDIT: Posting conversation. I do a lot of buying on FB marketplace and it always goes smoothly. I just feel off about this? Maybe it is just an older guy using his wifes FB?
Note: (I expressed this interest 5 days ago)
Me buyer:
Hey Terry is shipping a potential option for this ?
Seller
Yes
Me buyer:
Awesome ! Curious on how much it would be to ship the vice and extras ? I am definitely interested seems like more than a enough to get the hobby started
Seller
I will let you know need a address and zip code for the post office will let you know what they say shipping is
Me buyer:
Sounds good
Let me know when you find out. No rush but I am very interested! I see the handle does it have a rotary function ?
Seller
I have twice as much flyting materal not shone in pics shipping will be 475 yes the handel is for turning
might have the vice sold will let you know ?? you can buy a vice for 25 dollars and just buy all my supplies for a lot less
Me
Let me know if the vice is still available and I’ll take it
It is definitely what drew me in!
Seller
as soon as I find out if this other person really wants it will let you know
Me
Sounds good
Me a couple days later
Good morning Terry, let me know if you get an update on the vice today. Thank you!
Seller
hay Sam havent heard from the last person so if you want to buy the vice or just the flyting material just let me know as soon as possible thanks.
will let you tomorrow
Me
Sounds good ! I definitely want the vice at a minimum but would also like the tools and equipment
Seller
If you just want the vice its 280 that includes shipping or if you want everything its 480 out the door
can send a bank money order or bank check to john (last name) and (address) check my resume I bay and sell a lot so dont be worried about my thanks let me know what you want to do
(NOTE: I have been messaging Terry which looks to be Johns wifes facebook account. Maybe he does not have one?)
Me
Sorry John I will only use secure payment
Seller
well I dont deal in verno or whatever whats secure payment ?
Me
Usually PayPal or Facebook's Secure Checkout: If the item is being shipped, use Facebook's built-in checkout.
Or I could meet and do cash
I mean no disrespect but checks and money orders are just a no go these days unless you know the person
Seller
how about meet and cash then ?? Im not good at paypal on the computer
Me
We could do that, I’d do the exchange at common public location. I do cash exchanges in police station parking lots. They are fine with it I just give them a heads up
Seller
ok how about Ace hardware in (city) but I have a lot of fly stuff to look at
Me
(City) police department would be the location.
Seller
Ok
Me
Sounds good. Thanks for understanding. I’ll have to figure out when I can do that
Seller
yes it will take me a little time to box everything just let me know a day or to ahead
Note: (I have been suspicious since the money order / check situation. Scammers are smart these days and that is a huge red flag in my book)
Me
Sounds good
Could you send me a picture for the vice with today’s date on something with it
Seller
If you look on market place or facebook on couston made fly ting vice it on their
do you live near (city) ?
also there is a picture on the add
Note: (the grammar and spelling has been very bad)
Me
I do not I live in (city)
Seller:
well what do you want to do????????
you can come and we can go to the police station you dont have to make a resavation they have camers all over
Me
Iunderstand. Since I’m driving from (city) , could you at least send a short video picking up the vise or opening the jaws? Just want to make sure everything’s good before the drive. There are too many scammers on here.
There’s a camera function right here in the messenger
Seller
Look I m not a scamer just go and buy one in (city) by
Me
Only takes 10 seconds of time for someone to commit to 2.5 hours of driving with cash. Don’t see an issue there
Seller
its only 1 hour and Im 78 years old do you think I would sell something that dosen;t work to someone that is coming to look at it
I said im not that good at the computer
(Note its an an hour and twenty minutes one way)
(I have not responded yet, it seems so strange. Maybe he is just and old person using his wife’s Facebook. Could make sense for vintage fly-fishing stuff, but it just seems off)