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*** Scammer Alert ***
beware my Camaro fam - I learned something today and it only cost me $50
I had replied to a forum where another member was selling some parts I was interested in. Not 3-4 hours later I get an e-mail from the scammer pretending to be the seller and we exchange a few notes back and forth. I ask for additional photos which were sent and did not flag on a reverse image search. The (real) seller has been a member for several years with no negative feedback. I wrongfully assumed all was good and sent payment. A few hours later I get a message through the forum from the real seller asking about payment and I figure out I got scammed. What I'm not 100% sure of is how he got my e-mail but regardless he was well skilled with the photos, ect and I didn't see any flags.
I have a complaint into the payment processor but dont expect much
My takeaways:
* only engage through the private message portal - then additional info if needed can be shared
* ask for photos that contain a handwritten piece of paper next to the item with a phrase on it - like todays date
* the bigger the transaction warrants a lot more scrutiny before going through with a transaction
Stay safe out there as there are thieves among us
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