Be careful when buying a watch on TRF

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

One can’t buy a watch “on TRF”. One can buy a watch from a seller who happens to post on TRF.

Absolutely no one gets scammed “on TRF”. People unfortunately get scammed by scammers.

Exactly.

[Chiboy]

Originally Posted by INC

What I can't understand is, why they don't use Paypal, or C24 escrow service for such huge amount of money? Transfer money to an unknown person's bank account is worse then "playin' solitare till dawn with a deck of fifty one"...

It's because they are mainly focused on getting what they think is a deal, so don't want to pay 2% or whatever the up charge is for Paypal or an escrow service.

[INC]

Yes.

From the Ferengi Rules of Aquisition #10: "Greed is eternal."

[TK-710]

Don’t take candy from or send money to strangers. Unless of course you’re buying a four to five figure luxury watch, sight unseen, from someone you’ve never held a real conversation with, and know absolutely nothing about them except what they told you on an Internet forum. Then sending money to complete strangers shouldn’t ever be a problem. On the impossibly rare chance that would be a problem it’s totally rational to blame the forum even after they warn you not to trust strangers.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by m j b

Sold my Ferrari just last week to a guy who gave me thousands over asking, with his second-party bank draft, who only asked that I float him a few hundred extra to buy dinner, since he was short on cash when his cousin came to pick it up.

Ah yes, the check with 'extra' funds that they want back / transferred to them. Was one of the very early folks on the Internet to experience this situation during a sale of goods back in the 1990s. The weird thing is, back then I had to 'educate' the banking institution about it and had to nearly 'demand' asking for their fraud department. The thing is, the check was actually 'good'(!) funds-wise, yet was fraudulent and not from the account owner. And yes, it was over the asking price and they wanted the extra funds to be sent to....

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

One can’t buy a watch “on TRF”. One can buy a watch from a seller who happens to post on TRF.

Absolutely no one gets scammed “on TRF”. People unfortunately get scammed by scammers.

Well said, my friend. If anyone gets scammed, it is their own doing. TRF has no skin in the game. Sales are strictly between the sellers and buyers.

[V25V]

I have bought and sold many times direct with individuals. Never had an issue, just have to use your head and if something seems off, walk.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Just because someone is a long-time member here doesn’t mean you won’t get taken. There’s numerous stickied threads here on TRF outlining the importance of doing due-diligence with respect to vetting sellers and following proper sales protocols.

These days I prefer the larger dealer groups like those (not going to name drop here) on FB and telegram, as well as local enthusiast groups. Do your research and always ask for fresh references.

It’s still a game of trust, unfortunately, but this is the way when it comes to watches and jewellery.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by Xky

That’s my advice after reading at least 2 people in what I think might be 2 of the past months where 2 people have been scammed for buying watches on TRF.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve never had an issue on here buying or selling anything. The key is to do your due diligence on not only the seller but also what you are buying. I’m willing to share my place of employment, drivers license, face time, etc and be as transparent as possible when selling or buying anything. There are a lot of good people on here that just buy and sell watches/parts as a hobby and are not Trusted Sellers that do it for a living.

[BroncoOne]

Originally Posted by swils8610

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Correct.
And, if it seems too good to be true, it is.

Pay for certainty and integrity. It’s worth it.

[S’portEye]

I’ve only bought one watch over the internet. It was with a trusted seller, and even then I negotiated that he take a credit card payment. Talking to people helps.