Don't know if any other sellers have noticed this, but ever since the servers migrated I have had more scam attempts in the last 48 hours than I have had in the last month. Don't know if it has anything to do with the migration etc but just curious if anyone else has noticed the same thing?
Scammers are aware that the changes in the forums may be confusing some users and making them feel flustered. As well as not having a proper display in place for TWV, scammers are taking advantage of things like this while they can, and before they are fixed.
Since this is becoming a problem with the new migration, I recommend the following things:
Have the user PM you via this site. Also have them post in a thread of yours.
Use a chat or instant messenger that allows you to save and archive chat history.
Try to reach the user by phone, have them repeat a secret word you tell them via IM (example: "penguin").
Never keep sensitive information that can be used as backup in verbal form over vent or phone *only*. Try to keep a word document with the listed necessary information, and make sure that they are aware of any disclaimers.
Make a contract. This isn't difficult since there is no "right" way to do this. Cover the basic ground rules - (ex. Once a trade is completed, it is final. If the account is found recalled, I am due financial compensation for purchases made for said account. Guarantee is void if user sells or trades the account) - little things like this make accusations and resolutions VERY clear cut and easy to dish out.
Since e-mail spoofing is becoming increasingly easy-to-do and abused, ALWAYS check your headers. If there is a client or server that the e-mail has gone through, a quick google search will tell you if it is indeed a spoof.
VBForums has a cool new addition! If you'll notice right under your profile, there is a little AIM button (Or any supported instant message button for that matter). Use it! Don't copy/paste signature addresses, you may mess up. Additionally, if a user IMs you, ask them who they are on the forums, find a post of theirs, and then directly hit the AIM button to make sure you are talking to the right person! Impostors should no longer succeed thanks to this. I also recommend that anyone who uses this function takes a screenshot of the AIM address associated with the account when you hit the button, to ensure they cannot change it and pull a swift one.
If a user claims they are TWV, ask them for the e-mail they used to get verified. Use the search option found here to ensure that the e-mail is registered on TWV and then ask them to e-mail you a secret word from the stated e-mail address. (Remember to check headers!)
Do NOT accept excuses for why someone cannot do the above suggestions. Buying/Selling/Trading should not be a race. If you are patient enough, you will find the right person. Scammers will do all that they can to rush a transaction to keep you from making correct decisions. If you feel rushed, ask the person to slow down or decline their offer.
Yes, these new forums are much harder to check AIM and forum names. Wonder if we can put in a request to get it fixxed so it's similar to the old system
It's just as easy to bust scammers on these forums as it is on the old forums (minus the search features). I was just interested if anyone else has noticed the number of attempts going up
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