NEW SCAM ON POTN TAKING PLACE IN WTB SECTION - MODS PLEASE MOVE TO THE CORRECT FORUM AFTER READING

Great information and something else to be aware of.

Here, Ebay , any other forum I belong to.....If I am buying or selling, I always do it through the pms. If they don't want to or try to get me to "email" ,immediate red flag and I say, no thanks

I've had a similar event happen with a craigslist deal (yeah, CL... I use it because I can deal locally) Someone texted me asking about the item I am selling. The wording just seems funny, but I assume maybe they are incapable of semi decent grammar. I text back and forth a bit with what seems to be a real person. Yes I checked the area code of the phone number, it was like New Jersey or somewhere and I am in Seattle. Yellow flag, but maybe they moved. Eventually I get the "I'm in the navy and deployed at sea right now" BS, red flag! I ask since they live locally maybe they can send the money to a friend or family member and I can meet face to face with that person. I get about 15 texts spammed in a row. Same message "I'm at sea......". I tell them it is really sad they have no friends living in the area and their family is all dead. It must suck to be such a loner. More spams for a minute, then quiet.

Moral of the story is that unfortunately thieves are getting smarter, but they are still easy to spot. Things jump out and feel wrong. Keep your wits about you and your wallet will thank you.