View Full Version : Scammers and Rip Off's
Is it my imagination or just my poor luck that I seem to encounter frequent scammers and rip off artists selling gear lately? Does anyone else think that it is on the rise on ham swap sites?
KG4ZQZ
04-04-2005, 11:51 AM
- good question...
- my personal feeling is that while it may appear that the number of scammers is on the rise, the real problem is that there are a lot of 'boxes of rocks' out there - prime fodder for scammers...
Agree, but the number of names being posted and added to the "Don't do business" with types of listings I have seen is definitely on the rise.
The internet provides a good way to "hide" behind a keyboard and sell anything from a box of rocks to a mud dobbers paradise from the shed out back.
kf6rdn
04-04-2005, 02:14 PM
Quote[/b] (W0LC @ April 04 2005,04:42)]Is it my imagination or just my poor luck that I seem to encounter frequent scammers and rip off artists selling gear lately? #Does anyone else think that it is on the rise on ham swap sites?
Not at all! None whatsoever!
So.. I have this GREAT cold water fusion reactor set of plans, you could make millions! Wanna buy it?
W7DJM
04-04-2005, 03:01 PM
I doubt that fraud is on the rise "percentage" wise, I think it's simply that more and more people are on the internet. Years ago, before the internet was so popular, fraud was somewhat limited by location--if you were looking for a car, for example, you didn't look much further than the local paper/ want ads.
Now, searching, for example, eBay, you get can get worldwide hits.
I don't know if they knew what they were talking about, but a local detective recently claimed that so called "identity theft" isn't happening from people hacking your computers as much as they are from more simple ways--leaving info in your car to get stolen, --a "friend" of your "friends" finding a careless checkbook, things like that.
If you fall for the "Nigerian" deal, I have no sympathy for you.
WB2WIK
04-04-2005, 05:09 PM
Quote[/b] (W7DJM @ April 04 2005,08:01)]If you fall for the "Nigerian" deal, I have no sympathy for you.
Now, wait a minute. That deal is a good one, and true: It must be, I've received the same offer 269 times from 269 different people all saying the same thing.
KD4LEI
04-04-2005, 06:14 PM
How about the scammers who will use bank logos and ask that you click on the link to update or do whatever regarding your account. It's such a stupid way to scam people knowing some folks don't have an account with x-name bank, they're trying to push for you to check.
Sad part is that some folks will fall for it.
Yeah, the old Nigerian deal...man, that does get old....
Almost as bad as the Viagra spam, refinancing spam, Meds/Drug Spam.
The worst for me is the lids that advertise junk "last time I used it, but as with any older equipment, sold as is"...which translates into:
This is a piece of junk, doesn't work, never tested it, you get a mystery gift!
Gotta love these jerks!
K8ERV
04-05-2005, 11:52 AM
Quote[/b] (W7DJM @ April 04 2005,08:01)]If you fall for the "Nigerian" deal, I have no sympathy for you.
Hey, don't knock it if you haven't tried it!! I am just waiting for my check!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo
kb2vxa
04-06-2005, 05:44 PM
Hi victims,
It's just another facet of today's degenerate society, 'nuff said?
No, actually not, some cave man traded a bit of mammoth meat for a skin full of rocks. If you're a smart Neanderthal you'll look inside before accepting the trade.
I am sad to see that the situation has worsened considerably during my lifetime. It goes beyond the overt scams, and permeates almost all of modern life with a growing lack of respect for honest, productive labor -- almost as if skilled craftsmen and genuinely productive citizens are suckers, and the parasites who can take advantage of them are to be admired.
kb2vxa
04-07-2005, 08:07 PM
Hi again,
"...and the parasites who can take advantage of them are to be admired."
Glad you mentioned that facet of American culture. The big time gangsters, wild west bad guys et al have become folk heroes and check out the Gotti family values on TV while you're at it. Oh, do I REALLY have to mention the OSBORNS?