[Chantz335i]

BIMMERPOST / Classifieds

Asking Price:

None

Item Interest

Well, I just recently was involved in a scam on this forum from the member ReeferCheefer. I feel that this happens alot of this website. From my previous experience on many other auto forums, I feel like there is a small flaw in the classified system that does not give buyers the assurance that the seller is legitimate. To fix this, it is very simple.

IF YOU ARE SELLING A PRODUCT YOU MUST POST A PICTURE OF THE PRODUCT WITH A PIECE OF PAPER WITH YOUR USERNAME, THE DATE, AND THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT.

If you do not have this, tough luck, your posting will be deleted. This will bring some legitimacy to your post and help the buyer feel better about sending you money.

I feel like this step is completely necessary, especially on this forum, that seems to have such relaxed rules in regards to posting. I dont even know who my moderators are or else I would have sent this to them also, but, id also like to see the communities opinion on this rule.

[NjPrince]

Not a bad idea whatsoever. I like it.

[Alpine Saloon]

I agree. A lot of forums require this.

[ayooo_itzme]

Coming from a GTR & Evo forum who STRICTLY ENFORCES the rule, I noticed that BMW Classified never did that. Most post are shown without pictures, date, and username. +1 on this idea .

[AYEDEE]

+1 great idea I agree this would HELP

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by ayooo_itzme

Coming from a GTR & Evo forum who STRICTLY ENFORCES the rule, I noticed that BMW Classified never did that. Most post are shown without pictures, date, and username. +1 on this idea .

If seller can't be bothered to post actual pics of what he/she is selling & write a detailed description - then I assume that the rest of any transaction with them would be half assed - so I just ignore their FS post...

Although it is a good idea - mods on this forum will never institute or enforce this idea

Dealing with members on the forum is 'Buyer Beware' It has been proven that you can even get ripped off/cheated by paying forum sponsor & nothing is done about it...

Basically, the forum is not gonna act like your parents to protect you - simply only deal with people with excellent feedback (such as mine ), only buy from members that post actual pics & good details.

You can tell by my feedback I have had many deals on this forum - only time I almost got ripped off was thru a forum sponsor for $1100 (finally did get a refund from them) - not all the members that dealt with them on the GB were so lucky and lost their $$

[NYBulldog]

Petition to add to the FS guidelines? Good idea.

[vincE92M3]

I am for this.

[Digitalinkartist]

Sorry about your loss. That sucks.

Instead of changing seller rules, maybe moderators should add something like this to the classified section "read first" rules.

A few good rules to follow when buying in the used classifieds...

• If it is too good to be true, then it probably is.

• Use Paypal when you can. Don't gift. Pay the extra paypal purchase 2% surcharge. It provides dispute resolution.

• Money order/money wire requests and international sales are common scam identifiers. This is a red-flag. Take extra precautions when buying from this individual or avoid this transaction altogether.

• Reputation is everything. iTrader feedback provides some insight into the reputation and credibility of a seller. The rating is located under the forum member username. Additionally, long standing members with substantial post count and good reputations are typically reputable sellers.

• Be wary of new posters. Many scammers only have a few posts and offer great deals without pictures. They often have only a few posts and do not contribute to the forum discussion. This is a red-flag. Take extra precautions when buying from this individual or avoid this transaction altogether.

• You can ask for the seller to provide you an image of the classified item with a personal identifier (e.g., sheet of paper with their usename or date written on it). This will confirm the seller does indeed have possession of the item, but does not ensure their legitimacy as a seller.

• Never let a seller pressure you into payment terms.

• If you have any doubts, don't do it.

Your suggestion is just one safeguard against scams, but it does not guarantee protection.

Additionally posting this request in every section is not the right way to get a response.

Once again, sorry for your loss. Take this as a learning opportunity.