How to HUNT DOWN SCAMMERS

[Muddyboots]

I wrote this couple months back but scammers are never taken to task by anyone. So far I have been lucky but probably more paranoid than most which is pretty good self protection. But I would file a report to every agency I could and would harass them to chase down dirtbags.

Personally I strongly recommend you report the scam to respective agencies.

So Lately, there seems to be a thread every few days of someone getting taken for most likely primers, powder or brass. Scammers know they are untouchable and operate with impunity as result. I thought it would be great to have a thread that provides information on how to properly report a scammer for money or worse a theft of firearm. So here is some basic steps to report and STRONGLY recommend you consider reporting. If everyone did this, a MO can be established and provides more info for agencies to pursue prosecution.

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Beware Of Website Scams
NSSF®​ has learned from several industry firearm, ammunition and propellant manufacturers of bogus websites and web scams aimed at consumers who are eager to purchase these high-demand products. NSSF warns consumers to take steps to confirm the websites they are using are legitimate. If you believe you have been the victim of a fraudulent transaction, NSSF encourages you to contact the FBI or ATF, or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission either online or by calling 800-382-4357 (800-FTC-HELP). For additional information, please visit https://www2.nssf.org/e/127421/online-safety/4gj9m7/534887656?h=8o5pmii2oxbtKpNKvHW7cHmeG6xwsJuFKsTFP8opAVY.
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Also more guidance to report scams from:

Redirecting to https://www.usa.gov/node/823

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I would also contact the ATF if the firearm theft was involved. Local office numbers here:

Local ATF Offices | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

www.atf.gov

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Report scams to FBI:

Scams and Safety | Federal Bureau of Investigation

Getting educated and taking a few basic steps may keep you from becoming a victim of crime and fraud.

www.fbi.gov

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Edit added:
FTC Report Page: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/assistant

So let's add more recommendations where or how to report. We have plenty of threads on complaints so let's keep this thread as a source or reference to hunt these dirtbags down. Maybe even get some restitution!

This would be a GREAT STICKY!
Len?

 

[Eric H]

This should have its own forum. Maybe contact Len or a moderator create one.

 

[FEENIX]

This should have its own forum. Maybe contact Len or a moderator create one.

I wonder if anybody has been scammed by following the site's buyer/seller recommendations in place. The last two I know did not follow them. I only deal with outstanding members with excellent feedback from exceptional members. I rely heavily on the buyer/seller feedback forum.

 

[Eric H]

That's good information for anyone who comes across a site that has "red flags" and can be reported so authorities can possibly take action. Not necessarily just for folks that have been scammed.

 

[Muddyboots]

Ed, ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON! But some LRH are also buying elsewhere so thought this might help.

I do not buy from other sites unless I have a presence there and follow your position there as well.

Old adage still true now more than ever before:
If too good to be true, most likely not!

 

[FEENIX]

Ed, ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON! But some LRH are also buying elsewhere so thought this might help.

I do not buy from other sites unless I have a presence there and follow your position there as well.

Old adage still true now more than ever before:
If too good to be true, most likely not!

Craig,

Sad but true! My response was to ...

This should have its own forum. Maybe contact Len or a moderator create one.

That's good information for anyone who comes across a site that has "red flags" and can be reported so authorities can possibly take action. Not necessarily just for folks that have been scammed.

... otherwise, I would have directly quoted you. Len is trying to protect the buying and selling of LRH members within the LRH community. Len is not responsible for any transactions outside of the LRH; too much burden for any company to take on.

Cheers!

 

[Hugnot]

A Google or Bing search will turn up fake web sites. Most often deals are too good to be true. Often these fake sites show real business names, addresses & physical site photos. Almost always credit card payments are not accepted, preventing buyer from disputing charges, like no buyer protection. In addition to getting money, these sites get info like email addresses, names, telephone numbers, bank info, addresses, and other info that the bad guys sell. All this indicates some computer smarts. Possibly, the bad guys are located in some remote foreign land and are exploiting the current shooting component emergency (shortages). Just thinking, possibly accessing these sites might get malware into your computer. In certain situations, contacting Micro-Soft Corp. might be advisable.

 

[Muddyboots]

If you are not running a good security software with tight firewall AND VPN, you are at high risk. If you do not understand link protection, you are at high risk. If you purchase using other payments other than standard credit cards, you are at high risk.

This thread is a generality on how to report scammers wherever and does not implicate LRH in any manner whatsoever.

 

[JAYgs8163]

This makes al

I wonder if anybody has been scammed by following the site's buyer/seller recommendations in place. The last two I know did not follow them. I only deal with outstanding members with excellent feedback from exceptional members. I rely heavily on the buyer/seller feedback forum.

This makes all sense in the world. I just don't even do a deal with someone that doesn't follow the guidelines when posting something for sale. There's a thread now about Proof barrels with very little details. The OP states "PM me for details". Why, the OP should post all the details clearly? I've got better things to do then spending time to PM someone for details on something they are trying to sell, because their add is useless when determining what they are selling. Anyways,….. thanks for posting this thread@Muddyboots, some good advice here in tracking down the thieves and reporting their crime!

 

[Brijake]

Great info. I will also look on their website to see the address and phone number and Google search both. Last week was looking to make a purchase, not shooting related, Googled their address and it was a residential house and the phone number didn't work Scam.

Another key is no phone number listed. Google phone numbers are free, no phone numbers don't get my business.

 

[BBean70]

I have almost fallen for a couple. I usually try and verify that they are an authorized dealer for other items they show to be selling like optics, etc and if not run like he!!

 

[Zen Archery]

I actually use Google Earth, if they don't show up or pop up in a geographic location I don't support, I don't buy.

 

[sean30ber]

Being an LE. We have been inundated with these calls over the past few years. So much so that it has greatly diminished routine service to the communities as we spend so much more time taking phone reports for internet fraud. Our agency now issues proof of reporting Incident numbers and refers all internet scams victim's to the FBI IC-3. They are better equipped to deal with issues like these, "unless you can find a local connection". So, to add to the list, a direct link to the FBI's Internet Crimes Division. You can do your report with them right on line.

Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) | Home Page

The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, is the Nation’s central hub for reporting cyber crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating cyber crime.

www.ic3.gov

 

[Muddyboots]

So, to add to the list, a direct link to the FBI's Internet Crimes Division. You can do your report with them right on line.

First: thank you for your service and double down thank you for the link! I hope reporting may help squeeze out some of the repeat bozo's.