Need advice

[GooseHoward]

Hi everyone,

I placed a WTB for a 16570 and received a response from a member that he has one in good condition and would be willing to sell.

He asked if we could use Zelle or Venmo, and when I inquired about using Paypal instead and that I would pay the extra fees, he responded that he doesn't trust Paypal.

He said that he would reduce the price of the watch and that I could pay him half now and half when the watch arrives. I agreed, but when I inquired about his Venmo account, he said that he needs to use his close friend's Venmo because he closed his account and was switching banks. This struck me as a bit odd, and I asked him for a picture of the watch with my name and date written to the side. He provided it for me and it looks legitimate but after an unsuccessful attempt to pay him half the amount via his friend's Venmo (it was flagged and the money was returned to me due to some issue with Venmo), he is asking that I just send the money via bank wire, again to his friend's account. I also found pictures from a 16570 seller in Spain on Chrono24 that were the exact images that he had sent me of the watch earlier, but when I inquired about them he told me that there are people passing off photos as their own and that his watch is the real one.

Something doesn't feel right about this entire transaction and I haven't purchased anything through this method before; should I get out of this now and go with my gut feeling that something is off? I'm assuming that just by me asking I have my answer, but I wanted to know what you all thought about the situation.

[Zakalwe]

There are more red flags here than at a vexillology convention. Seriously, run away.

The photos will be completely irrelevant when you receive a box of rocks.

[watchnut100]

I don’t trust PayPal either, I mean buye has 6 months if they are not happy, so for instance someone buys a watch, the wear it for 4 months then it stops keeping good time? They can then file a complaint with PayPal and nearly always win? So no I don’t trust PayPal either I hate having to sell stuff on eBay and take a chance the buyer is honest, most of the time the are, but I’ve had some charge backs lately and it hurts.

[beshannon]

How fast can you run?

[Humble michael]

NOOO,if you can’t use pay pal or at least a credit card DO BUY - you MUST protect yourself. Period- if seller doesn’t like it - tough toenails - find another seller. You are so fortunate they sent your money back. If they hadn’t your post would have been a sad commentary on how you got taken. Please don’t EVER send cash to someone you don’t know w/0 protection - you WILL be sorry! :-))

[usling15]

You’re out of your mind if you move on this imo. This ain’t just one red flag.. this is the entire bundle. 1/2 up front, 1/2 when you receive ?? Would you sell a watch to a stranger this way ?

[cop414]

if You don’t feel comfortable and obviously you don’t then just walk away. It’s just a watch.

[GooseHoward]

You’re all right, I shouldn’t have even gone this far.

Lesson learned.

Thank you.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by GooseHoward

You’re all right, I shouldn’t have even gone this far.

Lesson learned.

Thank you.

Wise decision.

Scammers are coming out of the woodwork lately.

[BigAppleBill]

Consider yourself incredibly fortunate that your Venmo attempt was returned. In the future please heed this advice: “Buy the seller, not just the watch.” The seller should be bending over backwards to assure you and accommodate you. Any unexpected glitches or new conditions that place a burden on you should freeze you in your tracks and put an end to the deal..

[datejustrms]

Originally Posted by beshannon

How fast can you run?

This

[Burlington]

Would have been enough red flags I think to not attempt the initial 50% transfer.

I think you dodged a mishap here. Thanks to your bank for rejecting the payment.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Thanks to your bank for rejecting the payment.

He dodged a bullet there.

[Nikrnic]

Close call for you. Always go with your gut.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Aquaholic_user]

Good call. I once had a seller back out because I used paypal G&S. He demanded bank wire. I found that fishy. Thankfully he refunded my money through paypal. Hes still trying to sell the strap. This was end of last summer.

SM-N960U

[dcourtenayt]

I do not trust paypal, I take only wire for watches over 3k
anyone can start a dispute, and send back nothing and still be refunded.

[Chewbacca]

Flags all over this field.

You got off easy if this warranted second opinions.

Don’t buy online.

[214270Explorer]

Thanks for posting here and getting so much good advice.

Always, always, be suspicious. There are a LOT of clever (and some not) scammers out there in the bushes.

[mario1971]

You were very lucky. I hope it will teach you something and you will not go into the same muddy water for the second time.

[Jim Smyth]

Almost a very expensive lesson. Dodged a bullet for sure.......

[michael067]