I'm sure all of you know the old saying that goes "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" right? Well I had found a NIB Kimber Grand Raptor II for $940 on Texas Gun Trader. Even though I'm not even in the market for another 1911, I figured it was such a great deal that I couldn't pass it up. So I contact the seller to see if he could send me more pictures of the pistol and also to get a phone number so I could speak to him. So I get an email back with no pictures, but I did get a phone number. Well the seller was apparently in Tyler but the area code of the phone number he provided me was (281), which definitely is not a Tyler area code. So I do a Google search for the phone number he provided (281) 594-7597 and this is what I find...

http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?6120-1911-scams&s=b9af653fd68ed9b64b37c01c10cb9e3c

Not sure how many of you guys even use Texas Gun Trader, but just wanted to post this to inform you guys of the kinda scams that are out there. Here are his two ads on Texas Gun Trader.

http://www.texasguntrader.com/index.php?a=2&b=328049

http://www.texasguntrader.com/index.php?a=2&b=328038

so what was it he was selling? (I can't access those links at work)

Never ever ever ever send a cashier's check or money order for guns. Once the person has the check or money order, you're basically at their mercy.

That site is worse than Craigs List. I've bought a couple of things there but will only do FTF deals. If you want to know how bad it is, search using the word 'scam'.

Added: If you search 'scam' and look at a post of partial scammers, your guy is listed.

I agree.

I've posted 2 items on that site and will never post another. My mail box was filled with stupid scams just like CL I will use neither one again.

I have seen a few scams on that TGT. I have done well buying and selling until TGT recently became flooded with folks straw selling stuff they just bought from Academy. To be fair I have seen more scams on Armslist, once someone reposted my gunbroker auction verbatim onto Armslist.

I've only made one trade thru TGT, and it was someone I know. Otherwise, I don't mess with it.

So what is your suggestion for payment? Most non-FFL sellers on Gunbroker, etc. will ONLY accept these payments. Am I wrong that mail fraud charges can be filed for mis-use of a USPS Money Order?

FTF for TGT. I think gunbroker keeps a tighter rein on their sellers. TGT doesn't care who lists what.

For TGT, only FTF. For gunbroker, checks and money orders only if they have outstanding feedback. Otherwise, paypal or credit card. As for filing mail fraud charges. Good luck. You'd have a better chance getting blood out of a turnip. USPS and FBI really don't care about petty scams such as these.

I've never had a bad experience on TGT. I only meet FTF, always in a public place. You have to use a little common sense, but it's pretty easy. Heck I'm glad the thing exists, I've gotten some great deals on there and been able to sell easily pretty much every time I've needed to. I always price my stuff high because of the lowballers and the sob stories (I can't pay to feed my kids, will you sell me your Colt XSE for $400?).

You really can't go by the area codes anymore, cell phone numbers stay with the user, doesn't matter where you live.

Just for the sake of conversation...doesn't the former breed the latter?

He also had a 5.7 for sale on there for $950. I contacted him about it and he was ready to make a deal and said that he needed a MO sent to his wifes office for child support. I told him that I was just north of Tyler and would like to meet him for face to face... He never responded after that.

Well I guess it is about time for me to taken advantage of because I have never had a bad experience on this forum or Gunbroker. I always send cashier's check and have all good deals. I will make sure that I do not use TGT.

Not good!

I have not done business with TGT in over a year, but before that probably had 25 deals, all good. Never had a no show, very professional. Quality items, good people. They always had cash, described items accurately, etc.

And I have probably sent 20 MO to people on Gunbroker, some who were first time dealers, never had a problem there either. Whether individuals, actual gun shops, or pawn shops.

It is easier to communicate with people on THF, much more open.

Only bought once of TGT, a cherry rem 700 in 30-06 real orginal wood stock and the older shiny bluing, sweet rifle for $325 . I have put a few rifles on there and have'nt had bad luck yet, but I have had some of those "I'll take it, please send to ... and I will mail check on arrival" BS. Just gotta know what to watch for and not to trust anybody. FTF is the only way to deal.

Just so all of you will know this and are on the same page..If you pay anyone w/a check, cashiers check, money order, or certified money order..YOU CAN STOP PAYMENT..Beware also when taking one..most banks like mine clear checks in one day due to elec. posting and no paper..I have no idea what fees you would incur but they'd be worth it to save your tush..DD

I've experienced a purple of situations on TGT where the sellers were really shady. I will not do anything but FTF with TGT sellers

I figured something was up, but I'm glad someone else noticed it.

F2F, bring a friend, meet in a VERY public place, the local PD parking lot if you really question the seller, be prepared to explain to police, have your CHL ready, and carry! Rules I live by when buying ANYTHING from a forum, CL, etc.
Just my 2�

AMEN to that. Never had a problem with a deal off of THF or the CMP forums (I'm a hardcore 30-06 shooter).

My advise is ftf in all these gun deal. Just to see who you are really selling it to if nothing else.

Trust nobody and you won't be disappointed.