Howto Buy a Handgun Online and Not Get Scammed

Missouri Boy

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I'm thinking about buying a CZ 75B SA that is listed on the CZ Forum. The buyer is in-state but too far away for a FTF.

I am uncomfortable sending a check or money order to someone I have never met. What if I never get the gun or it is not as described?

The seller has never posted on the forum except to list his gun. Most likely everything would be fine but I'd like your thoughts.
 
Use a FFL near him as an escrow. You send the FFL the USPS MO, the two of them do a one-for-one swap, that FFL ships the pistol to your FFL. It'd cost you more for everyone's time, but it'd be a little safer. Or call the guy. A lot can be told by talking to a man, even not face to face.
 
I would never send money to a person with few posts. That makes me think he scammed someone and just changed his handle when he got caught. The only exception wouuld be someone that sent me a copy of his military ID.
 
I've bought and sold both to a couple people with little post. However we did exchange numbers and talked on the phone, it made me feel alot better about it.
 
I've done quite a bit of buying and selling online, including the purchase of 2 handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and a slew of other gun related stuff. So far so good.

Communication is KEY in my opinion. If the item is over $50 I want to have at least one phone conversation with the seller. If the person seem shifty or difficult to contact, the deal is off. That's just my general rule of thumb.

I hate to say it... but discreet Paypal is a good way to transfer funds. You can see if they are a verified member along with a mailing address and phone number. A seller with no physical address (ie PO Box only) is generally a red flag for me as well.

Nothing is foolproof or guaranteed, but if you are careful and use a bit of common sense you will be less likely to get scammed. Oh, and NEVER buy a gun without seeing good quality pictures first :)

ETA: Can I ask where in MO is the seller? I'm near KC...who knows, may have dealt with him before.
 
Since they are in the same state.... I would try my best

to meet face to face. If that won't work them do the internet search of all their previous post on a forum like this. If they have just a few post, then just probably best to not mess with it.

Also, since they are in state I would prefer to send them a personal check.
 
I prefer FTF as a buyer and seller.
You takes your chances either way unless you know the person or they have a reputation as a honest collector.
Phone call to a stranger? A smooth talker can promise anything.
If you feel uncomfortable about the sale you've answered your own question.
 
You could always ask for a copy of the sellers DL, with the address matching where your sending the payment. And if it is the same state, send a personal check. Where in MO is the seller?
 
I'm thinking about buying a CZ 75B SA that is listed on the CZ Forum. The buyer is in-state but too far away for a FTF.

I am uncomfortable sending a check or money order to someone I have never met. What if I never get the gun or it is not as described?

The seller has never posted on the forum except to list his gun. Most likely everything would be fine but I'd like your thoughts.

The bottom line: DON'T DO THE DEAL!

I have no problem buying firearms from gunbroker auctions - done it many times. I would have no problem buying a firearm off a FS board, like the one here or the one on Sturmgewehr, so long as someone could vouch for the seller.

But, buying a gun from a "one-time poster" off of any board where no one can vouch for them - no way! Either do it face to face, or walk away. Getting an FFL to escrow money is a nice concept....but it ain't going to happen.
 
I am a guy with few post on this site and having made many deals on other sites and Gunboker, would not have a problem at all with emailing or sending photos of drivers license or carry permit for address purposes. In fact, the FFL transfer dealer typically request copies for their transfer so it's part of the deal.

Also, using an FFL where the CZ guy is to do the trade and document where the pistol originated will CYA just in case there has been some funny business in the past. Just a matter of insurance if you REALLY want the CZ.

Bottom line is if you don't cover yourself, you will worry yourself to death over the possibilities. Been there and never enjoyed that shotgun. Got rid of it just for that reason.
 
I've said it before, many times, so I'll repeat it again.
I would NEVER purchase any firearm without being able to hold it in my grubby paw before money changes hands.
The bottom line is, you are buying "a pig in a poke". All you have is the seller's word, and let me be the first to tell you, people will lie if it is in their best interest.
I, for one, would never take that chance.
Just my opinion.
 
The best deals I have found have been on gun forums (TFL included) from "strangers" that live out of state. My most recent purchase was a Sig 229 from a guy in FL. $500 shipped for the gun, holster, grips, 8 mags, and 2 boxes of Gold Dot ammo.

My very first online gun "purchase" was a bit risky, to say the least. I traded a 1 oz. gold coin for a brand new Bushmaster AR-15 + extras from a TFL member in VA who I didn't know from Adam. I sent him the coin and he sent me (my FFL) the rifle :D While I wouldn't normally recommend this type of trading, it was a totally smooth transaction... and I still keep in touch with the guy.
 
Xanatos Use a USPS Money Order. They take scams and things of that nature really seriously.

Using a USPS money order is no more secure than mailing a personal check or WalMart money order. And the USPS doesn't care if you used their money order or one from 7-11.
Anytime some uses the USPS to perpetrate a scam is mail fraud. You don't have to use a Postal Service MO to make it mail fraud.

BTW....many sellers believe USPS money orders are the safest method of payment- but they also have one of the highest rates of counterfeiting.



.
 
I kind of feel that forums that allow commerce of this sort, should have some minimum number of posts needed prior to allowing people to participate in those transactions. It's only a pain in the butt for someone who is looking to fleece people... Granted, someone could just do a series of "drive-bys" to get the number of posts needed, but it would still be something of a deterrent... At least that way, you would have the ability to get some sort of feedback on the person's activity in the boards.

Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.


OH- And good luck with the decision. I hope that if you decide to go through with it, it works out in your favor!:D
 
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