Massive scam on Nikonians

GroovyGeek

All, as some of you are aware, there was a massive scam perpetrated on Nikonians over the past 2 weeks. By last count it appears to have affected 13 buyers and involves gear valued at over $10,000:
http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=137&topic_id=42342 &mesg_id=42342&page=

This should serve as a reminder to us all to carefully check who we are dealing with, and insist on adequate assurances that the seller (and the buyer) are who they say they are.

Nikonians has completed an investigation of the scam, the scope is trully staggering
http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=137&topic_id=42540&mesg_id=42540&page=

brianhanley

sorry but thats just a risk you have to take when buying things from people on internet forums... save up and buy from stores or you are always going to get broken things that are passed around on the internet with each seller saying "i assume it works.. have not tested it, no refunts"

Richard

brianhanley wrote:

sorry but thats just a risk you have to take when buying things from people on internet forums... save up and buy from stores or you are always going to get broken things that are passed around on the internet with each seller saying "i assume it works.. have not tested it, no refunts"

Well, you might get burned, but if you buy from someone with good references the chances are pretty small. There are many people who sell regularly on Dgrin whom I would trust every bit as much as the best retailers.

Tee Why

That's sad.
The money order/bank transfer sends off warning bells for me a bit.
Was this a new member to their forum or an established member?

I do see new or near new items of sale at various forums but generally pass and buy new from reputable dealers, if you look around, they are not that more expensive and you get the ability for returns and a full warranty, as well as a new item.

When I sell, I usually try to sell locally, so the buyer can see and test the gear right there and decide. No UPS/Money order stuff.

Geez, that's too bad for those folks that got ripped off.

i_worship_the_King

if (price >= $150)
seller=www.bhphotovideo.com;


I'm so sick of this java homework.. I WANT TO GO SHOOT. :gun2

GadgetGav

So, brianhanley, why are you posting in the Flea Market section if you think "you are always going to get broken things"..? And what's with the ..?
Just flame baiting..??

Wingin'It

That might work in LA...

Tee Why wrote:

That's sad.
The money order/bank transfer sends off warning bells for me a bit.
Was this a new member to their forum or an established member?

I do see new or near new items of sale at various forums but generally pass and buy new from reputable dealers, if you look around, they are not that more expensive and you get the ability for returns and a full warranty, as well as a new item.

When I sell, I usually try to sell locally, so the buyer can see and test the gear right there and decide. No UPS/Money order stuff.

Geez, that's too bad for those folks that got ripped off.

Selling locally might work in large suburban areas, but not so much in more rural settings. This is especially true of nice camera gear. The closest retail camera store with a decent amount of inventory is 240 miles away. The local used market is practically non-existent. I have had good experiences on e-bay and on this forum. My purchases have been from exceptional people that packed the items better than any merchant, and had good communication throughout. I spent a lot of time researching the purchase before hand. There is always a risk, I just have to try and minimize it.

MT Stringer

I've bought several lenses and camera bodies on the Canon photo forum as well as sold several and all have been good smooth transactions.

But, just like any other forum, there are the ocassional poster that just signed up and wants to sell a high dollar item like a 300 f/2.8. Sometimes a flag pops up when they don't post where they live. And some are legitimate sellers and some aren't.

I like to deal with the folks that have a lot of previous posts and are established forum members...just like me.

Mike

nightowlcat

Looks like Don Parsons is getting some justice served, looking at the last post in this thread

Andy

nightowlcat wrote:

Looks like Don Parsons is getting some justice served, looking at the last post in this thread

Nikonians wrote:

28Apr08

A search warrant is executed at the house of Mr. Parsons.

08May08

Mr. Parsons is arrested.

22May08

As part of a plea bargain agreement Mr. Parsons pleads guilty to a felony count of scheming to defraud in the amount of $41,805.85 USD. Sentencing is scheduled for 15Jul08.

w000p there's a special cell block at Rikers I hope, just for him.

DonnaLu

Andy wrote:

w000p there's a special cell block at Rikers I hope, just for him.

Tomorrow is sentencing day. *crosses fingers*