Stop Gun Scams

1184 Views 17 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Cigars, 21 h ago

Shipwreck

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

With all these fake gun websites - ripping people off instead of actually selling guns and ammo...

I thought I would post this to help and protect our members here!

A list of over 2300 scam sites related to gun products:

StopGunScams.com

StopGunScams.com publishes a Gun Scammer List of online Firearm scam websites.

stopgunscams.com

Reactions: 5

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

crc4

· #2 · 5 mo ago

Thanks for posting this.

I recently had a Russian Makarov for sale, was contacted by a 'buyer' who wanted an immediate electronic transaction and the gun shipped to his "FFL." He also wanted the gun shipped via UPS and labeled as 'parts' rather than as a firearm. I told him that wouldn't work.

I was more than happy to cancel the sale and glad to keep the Mak.

Always beware when a buyer or seller wants an 'immediate transaction' that's not face-to-face with cash.

If the deal smells, it's not because there's a dead fish in the vicinity.

Reactions: 5

Tangof

· #3 · 5 mo ago

It used to be fairly rare to see these on line gun scams, now I see them daily one place or another. Ammunition, holsters, etc. Anything questionable I buy somewhere else. For a savings of a couple of bucks it's not worth it.

Reactions: 2

crc4

· #4 · 5 mo ago

Sometimes the only thing missing from these scammers is that they promise a Nigerian Princess will be contacting you about an exciting offer.

ks1

· #5 · 5 mo ago

It's very easy to check a company's online footprint. It's also common-sense clues, such as acceptable payment methods, ability to contact the company and ask questions etc. If it's a firearm vendor, eZ Check (FFLeZCheck 3.1.2 - Federal Firearms License Search) and/or FFL Scope (Home Page - FFL Scope) should be used to check if they are for real. If a vendor refuses to provide the short version of their FFL number to check them in eZCheck, or simply ignores the question, stop right there.

Reactions: 2

wirenut

· #6 · 5 mo ago

I have never purchased any guns or ammo online.
If I can't see it or handle it no money will ever change hands.
I may have lost on some good deals, but I never have had buyer's remorse.

Reactions: 2

crc4

· #7 · 5 mo ago

wirenut said:
I have never purchased any guns or ammo online.
If I can't see it or handle it no money will ever change hands.
I may have lost on some good deals, but I never have had buyer's remorse.

I guess I've been fortunate. Over the years I've bought at least 40 guns and thousands of rounds of ammo online and never had a problem or buyer's remorse. I've not bought a gun in a gun shop except a CZ P-01 in December in more than 20 years and the same with the ammo. Many of those guns were unavailable to be seen or handled within 100 miles of my home. I did due diligence first as anyone should do.

With the ability to research any potential purchase online, get varying reviews, and check the reliability and reputation of the seller, online buying saves me time and money. If you buy locally and are disappointed, you might tell a few people. If you buy online and are disappointed in the item or service, you can tell thousands. Legitimate sellers are more concerned with reputations than local shops as the stakes are bigger.

While I wish there was a gun shop five miles away that offered everything I want, that's not the situation for millions of shooters.

I do understand your position, but for me online sales of guns and ammo have been a great success.

See less See more

Reactions: 4

ks1

· #8 · 5 mo ago

crc4 said:
I guess I've been fortunate. Over the years I've bought at least 40 guns and thousands of rounds of ammo online and never had a problem or buyer's remorse. I've not bought a gun in a gun shop except a CZ P-01 in December in more than 20 years and the same with the ammo. Many of those guns were unavailable to be seen or handled within 100 miles of my home. I did due diligence first as anyone should do.

With the ability to research any potential purchase online, get varying reviews, and check the reliability and reputation of the seller, online buying saves me time and money. If you buy locally and are disappointed, you might tell a few people. If you buy online and are disappointed in the item or service, you can tell thousands. Legitimate sellers are more concerned with reputations than local shops as the stakes are bigger.

While I wish there was a gun shop five miles away that offered everything I want, that's not the situation for millions of shooters.

I do understand your position, but for me online sales of guns and ammo have been a great success.

Online method of buying is a major paradigm that's here to stay and grow. It comes with its own disadvantages and bad apples, but those can be mitigated with proper practices and safeguards in place.

Reactions: 2

BillTexas

· #9 · 11 d ago

crc4 said:
Sometimes the only thing missing from these scammers is that they promise a Nigerian Princess will be contacting you about an exciting offer.

Wait a minute! I just sent a money order to A Nigerian guy that is shipping me a new Wilson combat 1911 commander size pistol for 1000$ off retail. Have I messed up?

Reactions: 2

crc4

· #10 · 11 d ago

BillTexas said:
Wait a minute! I just sent a money order to A Nigerian guy that is shipping me a new Wilson combat 1911 commander size pistol for 1000$ off retail. Have I messed up?

Not at all. He's also sending along his 13 kids, 2 of his wives, and 6 goats. As a special gift, he's including monkey bones for your septum and his sister who's a princess with 3.5 million dollars since her late husband was run over by an oxcart.

Lucky you - a Wilson Combat 1911 with a family to boot.

Reactions: 4

ks1

· #11 · 11 d ago

We recently published a blog post on the subject: Navigating Online Firearm Purchases: Recognizing and Avoiding Fraudulent Sellers
If anyone has any additional suggestions, please share.

Reactions: 3

Javbike

· #12 · 3 d ago

I been lucky on buying on line also but I much rather feel and see it as long as I know how the gun looks and feels that’s ok . And I only used one online place to purchase guns . Guns. Com but like I tell people know your prices they can be high like anybody can be

Reactions: 1

Rick McC.

· #13 · 3 d ago (Edited)

I’ve bought ammo many times online (since wallyworld quit carrying ammo), accessories (mostly custom made holsters), and gun parts, as well.

The only time we’ve bought any guns online was from the manufacturer (and CJ) when the wife was getting me a nice gun for a big anniversary, and they're either made to order (custom) or not available locally at all.
I’ve never done any of the big online firearm sellers like Buds, PSA, etc.

I very much want to support my LGS, and certainly do for over 99% of my purchases; but around here no one is stocking Baer Custom or Wilson Combat pistols, or even quality leather, and Galco burned their bridges with me several years ago.

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Tinyman

· #14 · 3 d ago

I agree Rick -- folks have to be either smart or broke today. Support your local Store(s) -- if they can't get what you need, try another one.

Reactions: 1

Javbike

· #15 · 3 d ago

I agree to a point the funky lgs in California is a joke I would love to support a local lgs can’t find one around here their prices are no joke mark up so high I purchased two guns on line both from guns.com and the rest I bought from either sportsman warehouse or bass pro

ks1

· #16 · 1 d ago

Part of the problem is the inability to shut down scam websites. The ATF doesn't seem to be doing anything, even though enforcing licensed-only retail of firearms falls within their jurisdiction. Additionally, there are a bunch of imposter sites claiming to be affiliated with Nighthawk, Les Baer, etc., and the rightful brand owners have to jump through a lot of hoops to shut them down.

Reactions: 2

Shipwreck

Discussion Starter · #17 · 22 h ago

ks1 said:
Part of the problem is the inability to shut down scam websites. The ATF doesn't seem to be doing anything, even though enforcing licensed-only retail of firearms falls within their jurisdiction. Additionally, there are a bunch of imposter sites claiming to be affiliated with Nighthawk, Les Baer, etc., and the rightful brand owners have to jump through a lot of hoops to shut them down.

Yes, they should be shutting those sites down.

Reactions: 1

Cigars

· #18 · 21 h ago

The last several guns I bought were all online through soild sources. Guns.com, gunbroker, the Mosin crate. It was fairly easy to check the places on gun broker. Individuals sell their too so you can make your decision based on feedback, but I only bought from brick and mortar gun shops.

Reactions: 1

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