The following article was written by Carrie Z who placed an ad on the Longarm U website to sell her quilting machine. This is her TRUE experience and it is a VERY interesting read!
Carrie writes - Please note that Cindy and Longarm U are in no way, shape or form responsible for anything that happened to me. I did end up selling my machine to someone I know who found it on this website and I have Cindy to thank for that!
I recently listed my Gammill quilting machine for sale on this site and a “John Roberts” tried to scam me.
An email offer to buy my Gammill was sent to me from “John Roberts” saying he would like to buy it. When I asked him if he was local, if he wanted to test drive it or needed more pictures, he didn’t answer. (Immediately, red flags started popping up.)
Instead, he asked for my cell number so we could text and I agreed. His offer included the asking price plus $100 for taking it off the market and holding it, and an extra amount to be paid to the movers when they picked it up. The excess amount totaled $5,050!!
He said he would send a cashier’s check. I was intrigued. The idea that moving people would come in, dismantle the machine and take it away, all without me lifting a finger, was very, very appealing. At this point I was suspicious but decided to ride the train until I became exposed to risk.
A theme started to emerge. I would ask for information and he wouldn’t directly answer. The check came but it wasn’t a cashier’s check, it was a bank check. I asked for details and he wouldn’t answer. He seemed disorganized and seemed to have trouble keeping track of information and my texts. I told him I would let him know when the check cleared which the bank told me would be approximately 5 business days.
Two days later John started to get pushy - really pushy.
First thing in the morning I received this text:
Him: “I have an urgent favor I need you help me get done this morning. Pls text me back asap”
Me: “What is it?”
Him: “The shipper said they need about $1,500 to get some important documents ready and they need the funds today”
Important documents? Again, a major lack of detail. I asked how I was supposed to transfer funds to the shipper. He replied “Cash App.” And that was when I knew he was a scammer!
He had sent me money to pay the shippers when they picked up the machine. If I can Cash App them why couldn’t he? The extra money was unnecessary.
All of this was taking place while I waited for my son at the dentist. My bank was a couple blocks away so I stopped in. They couldn’t tell me whether the check was good or not and couldn’t guarantee the check would be good after 5 business days. I decided to call John.
The message I got said the phone was a text only phone. Google told me these phones are used by scammers to buy things off Craig’s List and comparable platforms. I texted him to let him know I left him a voicemail.
My phone rang. Caller ID showed his number and I picked up. He hung up. Almost immediately I got a text saying he called and I didn’t answer. This was additional confirmation of my suspicions.
A few hours later the bank notified me the amount of the check was withdrawn from my account due to “altered or fraudulent check”, not insufficient funds which I was expecting.
I found this whole experience fascinating and wanted to know more about how scammers work and the different types of scams out there. The responses to a Facebook post asking for people’s experiences yielded good information. Another common scam is the buyer sends too much money “accidentally” and requests a reimbursement.
Please be aware of these scams. John Roberts wasn’t very good at his craft and that made it easy for me to be wary. I didn’t lose anything, but I’ve talked to other people who have been scammed by fraudulent cashier’s checks, which I am fairly certain I would’ve fallen for.
My number one takeaway from all the comments I received was EVERYTHING can be faked – cashier’s checks, PayPal accounts and even cash.
Here’s some advice I found on the Craigslist website about scams for big ticket items like cars. I feel this translates well to our machines:
I’d like to add my red flags from my experience:
Despite all the different scams that exist there are plenty of legitimate buyers out there. Trust your gut, stay aware and pay attention.
Good luck and there’s no shame in suspicion!
Thank you Carrie for taking the time and effort to write about your scammer experience.
I would like to add another thought - If you are selling a quilting machine (no matter where)and the person who inquires about your ad does not ask any quilting related questions, the chances are great(er) that may be a scammer!
If you were purchasing a new or used quilting machine, what questions would YOU ask? Someone who is interested in your quilting machine should ask the same or somewhat similar questions!!
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