How not to get scammed / Ripped off - Tips for buying and selling

Hi All,

Lets face it. From time to time there are cases where people get ripped off by untrustworthy users selling things. I have put up some information (in the form of an announcement in all the Marketplace forums) to help deal with such cases.

The information is just a guide but hopefully people will be more aware in future.

Have a read of the information and post here if you think there should be more added and i'll see what I can do.

Take note however that Ozhonda is in noway liable or responsible for any loss of money, good or services and please do not email/PM us if you have been ripped off as it is your responsiblity to get all necessary information.

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Originally Posted by wynode

Hi All,

Lets face it. From time to time there are cases where people get ripped off by untrustworthy users selling things. I have put up some information (in the form of an announcement in all the Marketplace forums) to help deal with such cases.

The information is just a guide but hopefully people will be more aware in future.

Have a read of the information and post here if you think there should be more added and i'll see what I can do.

Take note however that Ozhonda is in noway liable or responsible for any loss of money, good or services and please do not email/PM us if you have been ripped off as it is your responsiblity to get all necessary information.

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did someone rip u off recently?

It is also always a good idea to ask the seller to fax or scan you a copy of their drivers' licence.

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Originally Posted by |N|

did someone rip u off recently?

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LOL no. Just some useful information i've come across awhile back and meaning to do a small writeup on.

This is a mere copy of a set of classified rules on one of the boards I frequent. I though it was neat and decided to save it to my desktop. I will adapt it to my site in time. Maybe it is worth noting here as well.

~~~~~~~~~~ Rules: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~



All General Forum Rules Are To Be Followed

0) In the instance that we are contacted about any member here being a "bad trader" or a "scammer," we reserve the right to turn any and all IP and personal information we have on that member over to any law enforcement authorities and/or any other group or individuals we desire. If you do not agree with this rule, do not trade on our boards.

(1) ALL items with a price of over $100 MUST include pictures. There is no "I will add pictures later", if that is the case, make the thread later too. The prices must be of YOUR ITEM, not somebody elses.

(2) No MISLEADING Titles.

(3) No Price or "interest" CHECKS

(4) Put all items in the CORRECT section, if you create a thread in Stock Parts but also have an Aftermarket part you want to sell, make a new thread for that part in the APPROPRIATE section.

(5) No excessive BUMPING of your thread. Excessive bumping using Bump, TTT, ^^^, or other multiple wording to place your thread at the top is limited to 6 hours apart. Repeated bumping by another member within the 6 hour minimum will not be tolerated. Repeated long term bumping of a thread will not be allowed. Any abuse of the bumping rules is to be determined at the discretion of the moderators and administrators over and beyond the stated rules on a case by case basis.

(6) You must Post a PRICE unless the item is purely FT. (trading for cash still means FS)

(7) No AUCTION style posts.

(8) No multi-level marketing threads (freeipods, etc) - This will get you an instant permanent vacation.

(9) Links to your EBAY auctions must still include an item description and estimated price you would like to receive.

(10) No FLAMING or in-before-the-lock posts.

(11) No THREAD CRAPPING. It is rude and will not be tolerated. If you have an issue with the price, contact the seller directly, do not post it in the thread.

(12) No ALCOHOL, tobacco, firearms, weapons of any kind or pornography (anything that can be classified "Adult Material") are to be sold here..... nothing that is governed by the Federal Government as interstate trade.

(13) GROUP buys are not allowed unless you are a SITE SPONSOR.

(14) Charging fees for PayPal on a trade is not allowed. It violates PayPal's TOS.

(15) No Dealers or Vendors allowed, unless you are a PAYING sponsor. If you have a great deal to bring to JDMCivic members, please PM "domoMKIV" with what you are interested in doing. Site sponsors will be given their own forum section to conduct deals.

(16) Post count no longer matters, anyone is welcome to use the classifieds. However, this does not give you free reign to do as you please. Moderators WILL be watching closely.

(17) You may NOT sell for friends. No exceptions. If they have something to sell, they can make an account.

(18) Update your thread to reflect sold items. This will avoid useless questions about an item that is already gone and will prevent confusion.

(19) If you are selling items on another board, do NOT just link to the thread on here. Post the description and asking prices. Not everyone has access to other boards so be fair to the members.

(20) Failure to follow these rules can lead to a deleted thread or even a ban. If you notice your thread is gone, direct your questions via PM to a moderator. DO NOT create a thread asking where it went.


*The above rules are made for the protection of all. Failure to comply with the rules will result in suspension of your privileges to post in this forum, or forfeiture of your forum membership according to the severity of the infraction. The moderators and administrators of this board reserve the right to modify, edit, move or delete any part or all of a post or thread for any reason stated above. JDMCivic.com also reserves the right to ban any user, at any time, and for any reason.

If you have any problems or questions, feel free to address your inquiries to the listed forum Moderators or Administrators by PM





Regarding Trading Tips and Dealing with Scammers



~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quick Tips for trading ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(1) Always use delivery confirmation, and always keep the proof that you shipped.

(2) Always ask for a real name, home address, and telephone number. Verify it with a call or a search in the white pages.

(3) If the seller is suspicious, please search for info about him or contact a mod. If deal sounds too good to be true, chances are that it is.

(4) Don’t jump to conclusions, email the seller if you have problems, if you have their phone number, give them a call.

(5) If you feel that you’ve been scammed, you can file complaints about internet fraud directly with the FBI at their Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFFC) http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp. You can also go to www.usps.com and file a complaint for postal fraud, and most state Attorney Generals have an online internet fraud complaint form.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Avoiding Scammers~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(1) No matter what, get a name, address and phone number and then confirm the information by:

a. Phoning the telephone number and checking if it is actually them.

b. Going to www.switchboard.com or a similar site and check out if the last name matches the address. If it does not match, find out why from the trader before selling (the telephone may be listed to another party in the house) Chances are if they won't provide a phone number, something is up.

(2) Don't ship first without getting good references. You can get money back through different means if your money is taken, but your SOL if you ship before receiving payment.

(3) Use a credit card with paypal when at all possible. You're only liable for 50$ in damages if someone rips you off.

(4) If you cannot use a credit card, use a check since they are traceable and can prove your case if it comes down to contacting the police.

(5) Don't accept a cell phone for the phone number. It's much easier to change or cancel than a home phone number.

(6) Keep a record of all conversation with the person pertaining to the trade. It provides backup when having to deal with the police.

(7) Be wary of anyone with a recent forum registration date. Post count means little, date of registration does.

(8) If a deal seems too good to be true, chances are that it is......so be wary.

(9) A good idea is to register yourself on http://www.heatware.com - it is a GREAT site for showing users feedback you have received in your online buying/selling. It is UNIVERSAL and can be used for ANY sales done online. There is absolutely NO reason to not use this! It makes showing your references THAT MUCH EASIER!



~~~~~~~~~ OUTING A SCAMMER ~~~~~~~~~~~

(1) If you have a problem with a buyer or seller and believe them to be a scammer, do NOT post a thread or comment about said user unless you have PROOF that the person is indeed a scammer. Posting a suspicion without proper backup only makes you look bad on the forum.

(2) Claiming someone is a scammer because they are selling something "too good to be true" or any other suspicious reason is not allowed.

(3) When "outing" a scammer you must provide PROOF that the scammer did indeed rip you off. This means that you started a trade, either with money or merchandise and you did not receive the item promised. Hearsay or rumor are NOT grounds for crying scammer on this forum.

(4) In lots of cases items are sent out, but maybe not as quickly as hoped. Give the trade sufficient time to pan out before claiming someone is a scammer. I suggest at least waiting 2-4 weeks before even thinking about claiming someone as a scammer.

(5) Believe it or not, things do happen that cause people delay in shipping on a promised date. This does not make them a scammer. They should provide a satisfactory explanation for such activity, but it's not necessary as long as the trade is completed.

(6) If you have a problem with the speed at which someone trades, leave them negative feedback on their preferred feedback site.

(7) The key here is to remember that EVERYONE is innocent until proven guilty!!!

(8) Remember and make use of these tips and no one will get hurt.



~~~~~~~~~~~Regarding Scammer Threads~~~~~~~~~~~

We really do not want Scammer threads on this forum unless there is adaquate proof that there has actually been an instance of scamming. What we have had in the past has been rumor and suspicion which only harms innocent dealers. If you have proof that you have been a victim of a scam, report it to the moderator of this forum. The facts will be checked out and if there has been an instance of a scam, an official warning thread will be created. The operative word here is proof. Present all of the needed trade parameters, contact information and logs of communication when contacting a moderator about a scam instance. If you followed the tips and warnings listed above, you should have no problems in providing the needed proof.

wyn how about a LIST of bad sellers/buyers? sure we got the negative feedback thingie, but its not as good as just LISTING everyone who has negative feedback

it wont be a long list neither, cos u would have to do somethign unusually dodgey to get negative feedback.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by **Ghost**

wyn how about a LIST of bad sellers/buyers? sure we got the negative feedback thingie, but its not as good as just LISTING everyone who has negative feedback

it wont be a long list neither, cos u would have to do somethign unusually dodgey to get negative feedback.

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we already have feedback ratings - in which it is the buyers responsiblity to check this out and judge for themself. I cannot see this expanding at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by **Ghost**

wyn how about a LIST of bad sellers/buyers? sure we got the negative feedback thingie, but its not as good as just LISTING everyone who has negative feedback

it wont be a long list neither, cos u would have to do somethign unusually dodgey to get negative feedback.

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Much easier to use the existing Trade ratings system :)

To think that there are these low lives out there... I currently work for the Trading Post, and I heard a disturbing story the other day from a customer who advertised his Golf GTi.
He had a man come out and look at the car, then they went for a test drive, the owner drove the car, then on the way back the potential buyer wanted to have a feel of the car, so the owner let him drive, then once they got back to the owner's house, the potential buyer asked if he could just reverse the car in so he could see the front end a little better, the owner not knowingly moved out of the way, and the theif stole the car right infront of the owner..

low life scum! thats what they are..

Great write up, much appreciated!

If anyone knows anymore tips, then please do share..

(good tip 'yfin')!!

i noticed www.switchboard.com is for US residents.. is their a site for AUS Residence to search up registered business and details?

Have a lookat point #1 in the write up. There is a link to the ABR site.

The ABR site actually works! I entered my abn and hey presto!

ive been ripped off, **** that.:thumbdwn:


use the trade comments system guys :thumbsup:

hey guys...
how can i report abuse of the trade feedback function?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kenshin

hey guys...
how can i report abuse of the trade feedback function?

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pm a moderator with names and likely issues/"Abuse"...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kenshin

hey guys...
how can i report abuse of the trade feedback function?

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Already taken care of :)

hey wyn did u get my PM about 1 of the traders?

PM replied.

if anyone is looking to buy a car in Victoria... it is a must to go to this page http://www.vcheck.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

its like a revs check but its free... you simply put in the plates of the car.. and you can see if the car has ever been written off before, and if its still under finance..!

if you like you can pay the $24 fee to get more details, such as what finance company its still under.. etc..


cheers dre.

just wanting to find out Ozhonda action towards their own sponsors if they do wrong ozhonda members
regarding
-not answering emails (customer service) and
-not even willing to look at refunds or faulty replacement etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timofytit

DO NOT BUY THE MFACTORY PRODUCTS - The 6 speed dog set lasted 4.5km on the track at warm up speed, slow, low load. After the 3rd party investigation, the finding was the dog teeth were not forged properly and flew apart destroying the whole box and casing. The transmission is rated at around 500hp, and I only have around 250hp at the wheels. MFACTORY have not replied to any of my emails regarding the investigation or warranty, so I've been left high and dry from them. Back to the stock box that has been in the car since 2002. I will be re-using the factory gearset that I removed as it is perfect after 10yrs of use and 4.5yrs of that on the track running slicks. Here are picks of the gearbox http://s1307.photobucket.com/user/da...?sort=3&page=1

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Trader Contact Details

Trader Name: MFactory Australia Pty Ltd (e240)
ACN: 134786217
Contact person: Leonard Thio
Website: http://www.teammfactory.com
Email: teammfactory@gmail.com

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/forumdi...tralia-Pty-Ltd

Don't read madapo's threads.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snoop_gee

just wanting to find out Ozhonda action towards their own sponsors if they do wrong ozhonda members
regarding
-not answering emails (customer service) and
-not even willing to look at refunds or faulty replacement etc.



Trader Contact Details

Trader Name: MFactory Australia Pty Ltd (e240)
ACN: 134786217
Contact person: Leonard Thio
Website: http://www.teammfactory.com
Email: teammfactory@gmail.com

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/forumdi...tralia-Pty-Ltd

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You should stay out of other peoples shit ffs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snoop_gee

just wanting to find out Ozhonda action towards their own sponsors if they do wrong ozhonda members
regarding
-not answering emails (customer service) and
-not even willing to look at refunds or faulty replacement etc.



Trader Contact Details

Trader Name: MFactory Australia Pty Ltd (e240)
ACN: 134786217
Contact person: Leonard Thio
Website: http://www.teammfactory.com
Email: teammfactory@gmail.com

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/forumdi...tralia-Pty-Ltd

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http://www.a1gifts.co.uk/images/prod.../SS1002L-2.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snoop_gee

just wanting to find out Ozhonda action towards their own sponsors if they do wrong ozhonda members
regarding
-not answering emails (customer service) and
-not even willing to look at refunds or faulty replacement etc.



Trader Contact Details

Trader Name: MFactory Australia Pty Ltd (e240)
ACN: 134786217
Contact person: Leonard Thio
Website: http://www.teammfactory.com
Email: teammfactory@gmail.com

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/forumdi...tralia-Pty-Ltd

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The answer would be to let the trader reply, not slam them after 1 day of the customer posting the problem in their build thread saying that the trader didnt reply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RenzokukenJ

The answer would be to let the trader reply, not slam them after 1 day of the customer posting the problem in their build thread saying that the trader didnt reply.

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:thumbsup:

I feel this needs the following:

If buying, using online payment/ buying with postage required. Use paypal, and make sure you send the money through for goods and services, cause if you send it as a gift, and you get ripped off, you can't get your money back. goods and services lets you make a case against them if it's not as they described or something.

And for postage; ALWAYS get tracking numbers. If you're selling especially. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use tracking numbers. I've had one person scam me out of an item by saying it never arrived. And without tracking, you can't prove it made it to their end.
Also helps for if it gets lost in transit, you can tell/ they can find it easily

Excuse the necro

Hi, please be carefull when buying parts from *, unless you go there and pick up the part before you pay.
We ordered parts online from them, paid for the part, which then didn't arrive.
When we followed up, the same part had been sold to other people, we couldn't get our money back, and neither could they.
This business runs this scam.
Be very careful!









*bennjamin edit Please contact for details

Sorry ive edited your post as we dont allow direct naming and shaming.
Have you brought this up with the department of fair trading ?

Anyone interested to know the business please PM the user Ichi

thx 4 tip

I think someones has hacked vvtec's account

inb4 nice!

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Originally Posted by u mad?

I think someones has hacked vvtec's account

inb4 nice!

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Das it M80

Nice.

how do i report a scammer, renzo just scammed me for my taiwan headers

Yh but Taiwan is good