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Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2015-11-11 21:46

I recently came across an ad online in an unusual place online (not eBay or craigslist) for an instrument I've been searching for. The price is very good (almost too good for this type of horn) and there is photographic evidence that this is a beautiful instrument.

I emailed out of curiosity (and a bit of hope) and the seller responded after a couple of weeks and let me know that the horn is still available, and that he would be willing to sell it to me but requires use of an escrow service (which I see as a good sign).

For anyone who has used these services previously, are there any watch outs or advice? I'm trying to assess the situation and understand if there are any risks...

Please advise!

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Re: Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-11-11 22:14

This may be a scam. A very low price, belated response to your e-mails, and not accepting cash for the instrument raise the red flag of a seller trying to sell something while concealing the proceeds of the sale.

I can't think of any legitimate reason that a small pile of $100 bills won't buy the instrument. If they are worried about carrying a bunch of cash around after the sale, meet them at their bank. If they claim to not have a bank yet want to use an escrow service, you are most certainly dealing with someone nefarious.

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Re: Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: pewd
Date: 2015-11-11 22:23

Be extremely careful.

Transactions of this type have a high probability of fraud.

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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Re: Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2015-11-11 22:50

Thanks.

My "spidey senses" are tingling a bit after doing a bit of additional research. I appreciate the guidance....and you've confirmed my suspicions.

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Re: Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2015-11-11 23:28

http://www.fraudguides.com is a pretty good source of all varieties of fraud. Those people are downright CLEVER!

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Re: Using Escrow Service to Buy an Instrument

Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2015-11-12 02:03

If it seems to good to be true, it generally is.

So, some additional googling of the escrow site name he is demanding demonstrates that this same scam has been done before (interestingly, mostly to musicians). The names and scripts are identical to ones found online.

Thanks to all for the guidance!

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