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SAAC Forum Discussion Area / SCAM ALERT - Notice for ALL members
« on: August 22, 2023, 01:01:55 PM »
SCAM ALERT - Notice for ALL members
We have been aware of a particular SCAM that has been prevalent on enthusiast forums and Facebook groups,
mostly in areas for enthusiasts with requests for "Wanted to Buy."
I've recently been made aware of these potential SCAMS occurring on our forum several times in the past few weeks.
The way this game works is ---> a poster is contacted about his request for parts, usually through a private message,
and is told to contact another individual who is "known" to have the parts that are wanted.
This friendly "referral" by a "good samaritan" is meant to add credibility to the advice.
The message may look like this" "I recently purchased some items from XXXXX , he's willing to sell..."

The SCAMMER will then give the email of the contact who supposedly has the parts in question.
Also, look for obvious grammar and spelling errors in the message as an additional red flag

NOTE - it appears that the referred email ALWAYS has the format--->a generic first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com
We have seen the referred name to be a stranger... OR even the name of another forum member, but with the bogus email address.
This is not a new SCAM, but one that is relatively new to our Forum
BE smart, BE alert
"Trust, but verify"
ALWAYS verify the seller and the actual existence of the parts.
Use Facetime or Video Chat to validate the items
Ask for a "hostage" photo that shows the item and indicates the current date.
Remember, emails with a format "first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com" can be a burner, free, throwaway email addresses
and... always report ANY suspicious activity to us!
We have been aware of a particular SCAM that has been prevalent on enthusiast forums and Facebook groups,
mostly in areas for enthusiasts with requests for "Wanted to Buy."
I've recently been made aware of these potential SCAMS occurring on our forum several times in the past few weeks.
The way this game works is ---> a poster is contacted about his request for parts, usually through a private message,
and is told to contact another individual who is "known" to have the parts that are wanted.
This friendly "referral" by a "good samaritan" is meant to add credibility to the advice.
The message may look like this" "I recently purchased some items from XXXXX , he's willing to sell..."

The SCAMMER will then give the email of the contact who supposedly has the parts in question.
Also, look for obvious grammar and spelling errors in the message as an additional red flag

NOTE - it appears that the referred email ALWAYS has the format--->a generic first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com
We have seen the referred name to be a stranger... OR even the name of another forum member, but with the bogus email address.
This is not a new SCAM, but one that is relatively new to our Forum
BE smart, BE alert
"Trust, but verify"
ALWAYS verify the seller and the actual existence of the parts.
Use Facetime or Video Chat to validate the items
Ask for a "hostage" photo that shows the item and indicates the current date.
Remember, emails with a format "first+last name + 3 or 4 digits@gmail.com" can be a burner, free, throwaway email addresses
and... always report ANY suspicious activity to us!