I also saw where he cut in on someone else’s thread and made his offer. I thought it smelled fishy as well and he is willing to sell for approximately 50% of the going rate. I have been wrong about this before … but it doesn’t smell right to me.

I exchanged emails with what must be the same guy. I offered to pay with PayPal (protects both parties) and he disappeared. Just as well since I noticed that the pictures he sent were pulled from TAP. Dodged that one.

I sell a LOT on the internet , I will reach out to people from other ads , if the original item is pending sale , or sold.... I always offer the Option of Paypal plus 3% , or friends and family , or Venmo ... I ALWAYS tell new customers , to Google my name and number , for verification... If you cant verify someone through Google , they are a scammer... Generally if there is a phone number involved , it makes it a lot easier to catch a scammer , My pics get stolen all of the time ... Be careful...

and they still buy?

The old adage is “if it’s too good to be true........” Great forum here. Small aviation community and somewhat easier to vet people. If someone is unwilling to give you phone
Number, that is good indicator. Most of us own an airplane, so you can use Faa database to vet too.

Here are some things I’ve learned. If you contact a seller and you hear a phone click, it may be a transfer from the fake line to a scammer line. If the seller can’t describe what the use is for what he is selling or has no knowledge of the product or use, scammer. If the seller asks you to use PayPal friends and family (no protection and you’ve now scammed PayPal) he is likely a scammer. If he wants you to send money to a different account, scam is likely.
Always use PayPal linked to your credit card for added protection. If you link to your debit and you’re in the middle of a PayPal disput, as soon as PayPal receives a shipping notice, they pay and debit your account. If the scammer shows a shipment, if something arrives, take photos of the package, it’s contents and the screen shot of what you were supposed to get. Some guys have received spoons in their delivery. As soon as PayPal is noticed a delivery was made during a dispute, the dispute is over. You’ll need evidence to re open the dispute. Don’t hesitate to initiate a reopening of your case. Delaying will cause a loss. Use your credit card company to assist you with PayPal. They are able to get through to real people very quickly.

FWIW, there’s a few websites for escrow for online purchases. One is partnered with PayPal. I think they charge about 10% of the transaction cost. I think the PayPal partner one is escrow.com. May be worth a shot in the future.

I’ve been in the market to do some panel work on my H35 and was looking at used GTN’s. I just can’t bring myself to buy something used that expensive that isn’t yellow-tagged without seeing it in action in person or knowing who they are. That’s a pretty chunk of money to lose out on.

Phone number. Always have a phone conversation with your buyer/seller.

Tim

Hello all,

I am amazed with the scammers now getting into the airplanes and airplane parts. I was looking for a set of amphibious floats for the 185 and responded to an add for a set of Wip 3000a’s on Barnstormers. Not really sure of the cost since they are so rare I called and got a text response with pictures (first clue). I responded and wanted to speak further and they did call me. I asked why there were selling the floats and he responded he sold his 185 to a flight school (second clue, not many flight schools buying big boy planes). Was pretty sure it was a scam at that point I sent a text that I would be there in the morning to look just needed an airport. No response...

A week later a second add and the second time they were dumb enough to play along a little longer until I told them I would pay 5K additional for delivery and pay the entire amount on arrival. Never heard back sent another text saying “nice try scam someone else”. Response was “I will” .

Some agency should start to prosecute the scammers!

Here's an Idea from one of the Brethren.

Why don't you out him. I've read thru the entire thread and don't know who you are talking about.

If he's legit we'll issue a Mea Culpa, if not we are all the wiser...

Let the Jeffs know, so they can investigate/kick these people off of BT.

Here's an Idea from one of the Brethren.

Why don't you out him. I've read thru the entire thread and don't know who you are talking about.

If he's legit we'll issue a Mea Culpa, if not we are all the wiser...

Sorry, but Im from a generation that the last thing I want is to be 'verified' via google. I quit all social media venues some years ago and Im still getting pestered with referrals.

It was easier to quit Columbia House than unplug from Google.

“Good Suggestions All, Found Three of last name in the Airman’s Registry.

So Possible, ...however inconclusive”

I was potentially interested in this item as well so I looked up the seller in the airmen database. As you say there are three. Two have medicals that are 40 years expired. The third lists an address thousands of miles from where the seller lists his location in his BT profile. Since he claims to own an A36 I would expect him to have a medical in the last few years and reside near his stated location. 7 posts on BT and mainly related to buying and selling. I decided I was not interested.

Yeah,
None referring to anything other than buy sell
Also Calls it a B36

BTW no further emails from. ...after I did not supply my shipping address

Anyone know of a John Wolverton ? ...Outed to the Bretheren