I know there was a thread about some guy from Kauai (supposedly) who was scamming guys on Armslist--now it seems like the scammer has "moved on" to Oahu/Honolulu.  There's a "Polytech M-14" for sale and it sure seems like a scam--the "guy" replies in stilted formal English, doesn't give a local phone number or address, and always wants to do business through an FFL (you have to send funds first, of course).  The other rifle ad I saw was for a Colt 6920, similar spiel--the "guy" claimed to be "too busy" to meet but he'll go through an FFL dealer no problem (send $$$ first).

I got a really good deal on a CMMG carbine, which is why I still check Armslist, but the last two "deals" turned out to be too good to be true. 

Anyone else have this same experience?

There was a ruger556 I inquired about a while back, I think the guy had just "hawaii" listed on the ad. Judging by his response it was clearly a scam. If you ask me 90% of the listings on there don't seem legitimate.

Further reading on this topic:

http://forum.armslist.com/forum/inappropriate-pricing-spotlight/worst-of-armslist/2020-the-armslist-scam

I had a guy tell me that the package is at fedex awaiting directions.  He gave me the tracking # and I tracked it to NY.  He said send the $$ and I would have the firearm in 24 hours.  He listed in Hawaii.  I said no way.  the only armslist I have done has been face to face.  There are tons of scammers with really good deals.  I feel bad for the legitimate sellers that the scammers are ruining the site for.  My advice is only face to face on armslist. 

Same here, a guy told me to send cash first for shipping fees. Only an idiot would fall for that! But I met some cool cats from armslist though.....

I emailed the guy with the M14 and he said...

Sorry l don't live in sub-geographical area.I am a resident of Columia AL.and l am deaf and I can't hear.I am sorry if you seeing this Ad there is due technical challenge which a message have been sent to me and we will be resolve in short time..if you are cool with shiping then we can have a deal and if you aren't cool.I suggest u look els where.the rifle is intact and well in good condition.the pictures tells..

I replied...

Coincidentally, I'm headed to Alabama next week. Is there somewhere I could meet you in your hometown?



Waitin for his reply now. 

I emailed the guy with the M14 and he said...

Sorry l don't live in sub-geographical area.I am a resident of Columia AL.and l am deaf and I can't hear.I am sorry if you seeing this Ad there is due technical challenge which a message have been sent to me and we will be resolve in short time..if you are cool with shiping then we can have a deal and if you aren't cool.I suggest u look els where.the rifle is intact and well in good condition.the pictures tells..

I replied...

Coincidentally, I'm headed to Alabama next week. Is there somewhere I could meet you in your hometown?



Waitin for his reply now. 

Oh man I wish I would have thought of this reply this is too funny!!!

The guy on Kauai was a total scam I kept emailing him and even gave him my number to meet locally and he never replied.

Hate to say it but I told you guys so. ... and when I posted the same topic months ago. .... no one wanted to believe me. .... its a shame.... because I heard guys lost big money to this crook. ....

Hate to say it but I told you guys so. ... and when I posted the same topic months ago. .... no one wanted to believe me. .... its a shame.... because I heard guys lost big money to this crook. ....

Eh, quem se importa.
I would never send some schmo money for a firearm without recourse anyway.

I like to see what I buy or buy from a reputable dealer.

Gotta be aware of those signs its a scam. No face to face, asking for money first, doesnt call and unbelievable deal for the firearm. These scammers thrive on the saying there's a sucker born every second.

.

I emailed the guy with the M14 and he said...

Sorry l don't live in sub-geographical area.I am a resident of Columia AL.and l am deaf and I can't hear.I am sorry if you seeing this Ad there is due technical challenge which a message have been sent to me and we will be resolve in short time..if you are cool with shiping then we can have a deal and if you aren't cool.I suggest u look els where.the rifle is intact and well in good condition.the pictures tells..

I replied...

Coincidentally, I'm headed to Alabama next week. Is there somewhere I could meet you in your hometown?



Waitin for his reply now. 

LOL, did anyone reply back?

.

 

Hahaha, now that would be a face to face transaction so I'm good with that. 

I emailed the guy with the M14 and he said...

Sorry l don't live in sub-geographical area.I am a resident of Columia AL.and l am deaf and I can't hear.I am sorry if you seeing this Ad there is due technical challenge which a message have been sent to me and we will be resolve in short time..if you are cool with shiping then we can have a deal and if you aren't cool.I suggest u look els where.the rifle is intact and well in good condition.the pictures tells..

I replied...

Coincidentally, I'm headed to Alabama next week. Is there somewhere I could meet you in your hometown?



Waitin for his reply now. 

He finally replied...


On Aug 13, 2013, at 8:24 AM, YW Wood <ywwood@yahoo.com> wrote:

That would be very nice bt sorry l don't deal FTF due to my pass experience.I recently lost a friend of mind dealing FTF.and perharps l am deaf and l can't hear due to that this deal wouldn't be able to hold....I could ship the rifle via FFL dealer if you are still interested...

He finally replied...


On Aug 13, 2013, at 8:24 AM, YW Wood <ywwood@yahoo.com> wrote:

That would be very nice bt sorry l don't deal FTF due to my pass experience.I recently lost a friend of mind dealing FTF.and perharps l am deaf and l can't hear due to that this deal wouldn't be able to hold....I could ship the rifle via FFL dealer if you are still interested...

love how these guys cock buns when you tell them your in the area..

He finally replied...


On Aug 13, 2013, at 8:24 AM, YW Wood <ywwood@yahoo.com> wrote:

That would be very nice bt sorry l don't deal FTF due to my pass experience.I recently lost a friend of mind dealing FTF.and perharps l am deaf and l can't hear due to that this deal wouldn't be able to hold....I could ship the rifle via FFL dealer if you are still interested...

tell him you'll meet him at the police station there and see what ge's got to say. 

They're at it again--this time a Remington R1 is pictured, but some of the details listed are for a 28 ga. double barrel.  Also, the pics are from Davidson's, but the dealer is listed as West Michigan Tactical.  WMT does exist, but they only sell accessories and gear, no guns.

I'm flaggin' it after this.

In a way it's a good thing these scammers don't seem to understand guns or the transfer process--their stupid errors in their listings make it sort of easy to spot if you know your sh*t.