Watch out before buying or selling

[ReeferB28]

It's been forever since I've been active on a reef forum. I used to do nano-Reef and Reefcentral wayy back in the day.

 

[ReeferB28]

Of course not every seller is a scam artist, but we put these tips together because we've seen users get scammed consistently by a few bad apples over the years. If users keep these tips in mind, they're far less likely to end up scammed.
Of course, common sense must always apply too. :p

I 100% agree with that. The hobby has gotten pretty nuts these days, but I feel it's easy to weed out scammers. Although, there are some pretty elaborate ones. Dead giveaway is they usually ask to send Payment as , "friends and family".

 

[evolved]

Dead giveaway is they usually ask to send Payment as , "friends and family".

Hence why that's prohibited in our rules. If you see it somewhere, please report it! :)

 

[RichyRich50]

Quick Question, if I become a Supporter can I post on the selling/buying forums?

A plea to all members before buying and selling:

*Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that all staff members are volunteers and try to do our best to do what is in the best interest of R2R. Typically, we do not get involved in member disputes. Most often there is more than one side of the story. Each side has their own and squick

A plea to all members before buying and selling:

*Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that all staff members are volunteers and try to do our best to do what is in the best interest of R2R. Typically, we do not get involved in member disputes. Most often there is more than one side of the story. Each side has their own and sometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. The staff respects that each member can voice their side of the transaction within the feedback forums. Ultimately, the members can choose how to interpret the information. The staff does take action when there is blatant scamming. However, the only action that we can take is to remove the member from the community. We will also monitor to ensure the member is not creating a new name to scam again.*

There are some simple things that members can do to protect themselves when using the selling forums. The following are just a few things that I think people can do to protect themselves:

• Be wary of members that have joined recently or have low post counts. Sometimes the members that are here to scam other members will typically PM members with items to sell, especially in response to a Want to Buy thread. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to ask for proof of ownership pics. Ask the member to show you a pic with a code word, that day's date and the item. If the seller does not want to do this, then run away.
• Look at the post history. Does the member just have posts that are simple, like "nice tank"? These members aren't adding value to the community and might just be here to make a quick buck and move on.
• Do not send money as a gift (PayPal's Friends and Family option), EVER!!!! R2R has updated the selling forum rules where members must not ask for the items to be sent as a gift. If you send the money as a gift, you will lose any chance of protection with paypal. Also, try to use a credit card as your payment with paypal. If for some reason the transaction goes south and paypal does not side with you, you may have protection from the credit card issuer and you can open a dispute with them.
• Check the feedback forums first before doing business with anyone. The feedback forums are not used as much as they should be. They can be a valuable resource to determine whether someone deserves to get your business. If you do business with a member or vendor (sponsor or not), post up a feedback thread. Let the community know how the transaction went.
• Check the feedback score. This can give you a snapshot of how the person does business.

If you feel that you had a transaction that went south, it is important to start a feedback thread. This way other members can know to stay away from that person. Make sure to keep a copy of all correspondence. You can save a copy of the PM's to your computer. Contact paypal immediately. Also, I would reach out to your local authorities. Fraud via the internet is something that is not taken lightly. Actually, interstate commerce fraud can be considered a felony and bring stiff penalties. Do not be hesitant to contact them. Lastly, please report any PM's, posts, or visitor messages where you suspect the member is scamming other members. The staff looks at each and every reported post. We keep everything anonymous so you do not have to worry about being a snitch.

ometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. The staff respects that each member can voice their side of the transaction within the feedback forums. Ultimately, the members can choose how to interpret the information. The staff does take action when there is blatant scamming. However, the only action that we can take is to remove the member from the community. We will also monitor to ensure the member is not creating a new name to scam again.*

There are some simple things that members can do to protect themselves when using the selling forums. The following are just a few things that I think people can do to protect themselves:

• Be wary of members that have joined recently or have low post counts. Sometimes the members that are here to scam other members will typically PM members with items to sell, especially in response to a Want to Buy thread. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to ask for proof of ownership pics. Ask the member to show you a pic with a code word, that day's date and the item. If the seller does not want to do this, then run away.
• Look at the post history. Does the member just have posts that are simple, like "nice tank"? These members aren't adding value to the community and might just be here to make a quick buck and move on.
• Do not send money as a gift (PayPal's Friends and Family option), EVER!!!! R2R has updated the selling forum rules where members must not ask for the items to be sent as a gift. If you send the money as a gift, you will lose any chance of protection with paypal. Also, try to use a credit card as your payment with paypal. If for some reason the transaction goes south and paypal does not side with you, you may have protection from the credit card issuer and you can open a dispute with them.
• Check the feedback forums first before doing business with anyone. The feedback forums are not used as much as they should be. They can be a valuable resource to determine whether someone deserves to get your business. If you do business with a member or vendor (sponsor or not), post up a feedback thread. Let the community know how the transaction went.
• Check the feedback score. This can give you a snapshot of how the person does business.

If you feel that you had a transaction that went south, it is important to start a feedback thread. This way other members can know to stay away from that person. Make sure to keep a copy of all correspondence. You can save a copy of the PM's to your computer. Contact paypal immediately. Also, I would reach out to your local authorities. Fraud via the internet is something that is not taken lightly. Actually, interstate commerce fraud can be considered a felony and bring stiff penalties. Do not be hesitant to contact them. Lastly, please report any PM's, posts, or visitor messages where you suspect the member is scamming other members. The staff looks at each and every reported post. We keep everything anonymous so you do not have to worry about being a snitch.

 

[mfinn]

Quick Question, if I become a Supporter can I post on the selling/buying forums?

Yes.

 

[AQUAMAN22]

What if I’m a seller and the buyer is asking to pay half now and half when it ships? If I ship the coral and he decides not to pay the other half I’m sol right? I have not intentions of scamming but I also don’t want to be scammed

 

[OCD_Corals]

Quick Question, if I become a Supporter can I post on the selling/buying forums?

How do you become a supporter?

 

[dbl]

How do you become a supporter?

Click on your username in the upper right corner, then hit Account Upgrade. You will see supporting member...just click purchase and follow the instructions.

 

[AQUAMAN22]

What if I’m a seller and the buyer is asking to pay half now and half when it ships? If I ship the coral and he decides not to pay the other half I’m sol right? I have not intentions of scamming but I also don’t want to be scammed

Does anyone have an answer or suggestion on this? Any information would be appreciated

 

[vetteguy53081]

Does anyone have an answer or suggestion on this? Any information would be appreciated

Consider it a risk. Its a matter of intelligent decision making, credibility and trust. I recently had a 4th person ship me an item with a deposit. Although im surprised once again they shipped without full payment, I made good on it

 

[EMeyer]

Does anyone have an answer or suggestion on this? Any information would be appreciated

If a buyer refuses to pay on placing the order I would consider that as big a giveaway as requiring friends & family. Steer clear.

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

NO FINGER POINTING JUST FYI.....mind me I am a buyer who spends WAY TOO MUCH ON CORAL!

If a Seller “confirms = more than once ” his SPS mini-colony is 3”. What is an acceptable size when you pay A LOT and it arrives actually at 1-1/4” maximum at largest point with a ruler? Who pays?

Vote please: refund, credit, or do I lose.

That coral arrives 100% dead, I warned ‘it is 103 here today’. Arrives DOA in a bag only twice size of coral (no water) with no protection! But sellers delivery was a day late and bag leaked but seller says Fedex is to blame but his DOA only states “for mechanical failure, weather or act of God”. But it was delayed because box was ooozing smelly disgusting liquidFedex did know if toxic or nuclear? Or fish juice (no live fish labels). But seller claims DOA is only is his shipment is not delayed!

Don’t we care if these creatures are lost!

No. Items must be guaranteed to arrive alive (no weak excuses and caveats) or DO NOT BUY. Great companies like LiveAquaria.com, pacfiicaquaculter, reefgodz, extremecorals, Jason Fox and Rich Negret WOULD NEVER LEAVE YOU SCREWED! Mom and pops well...Bless their hearts they need the $.

Ask! What size. What colors? Send me a pic? Confirm this is WYSIWYG? Right. USE PAYPAL! Pay the fee if you must. And pray you get that piece of the Ocean you worked so hard to preserve in the tank you worked so hard to purchase and enjoy!

I love my reef and R2R!

 

[AQUAMAN22]

Consider it a risk. Its a matter of intelligent decision making, credibility and trust. I recently had a 4th person ship me an item with a deposit. Although im surprised once again they shipped without full payment, I made good on it

Thank you for the feedback. Wish there was a way to make

If a buyer refuses to pay on placing the order I would consider that as big a giveaway as requiring friends & family. Steer clear.

i just give the benefit of doubt and hope everyone is as honest and kind hearted as I am. All human kind needs to be 100% with each other & treat people how you want to be treated because nobody likes to be lied to or cheated in anyway

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

Gaod red guys, thanks for the reminders

 

[TVV]

What is the best way to get to "vendors reviews" on Reef2reef?

I was looking for reviews with Google search for extreme corals and found a R2R thread. When I am on the site, I cannot find that location. I posted to it but I suspect if I cannot find it others can't either. It doesn't appear to be monitored by R2R moderators or contributors.

 

[OCD_Corals]

Click on your username in the upper right corner, then hit Account Upgrade. You will see supporting member...just click purchase and follow the instructions.

Thank you for the help!

 

[Daniel@R2R]

What is the best way to get to "vendors reviews" on Reef2reef?

I was looking for reviews with Google search for extreme corals and found a R2R thread. When I am on the site, I cannot find that location. I posted to it but I suspect if I cannot find it others can't either. It doesn't appear to be monitored by R2R moderators or contributors.

here is the vendor feedback forum where you can find feedback left for commercial vendors (both sponsors and non-sponsors): https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/vendor-feedback.18/

 

[andyman]

Its actually nice that this policy is posted. Sometimes ppl will ask for gifts or friends and family to save $$ but as the buyer, I've never been comfortable doing that. Now I can just refer to this post instead.

 

[MnFish1]

A plea to all members before buying and selling:

*Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that all staff members are volunteers and try to do our best to do what is in the best interest of R2R. Typically, we do not get involved in member disputes. Most often there is more than one side of the story. Each side has their own and sometimes the truth is somewhere in the middle. The staff respects that each member can voice their side of the transaction within the feedback forums. Ultimately, the members can choose how to interpret the information. The staff does take action when there is blatant scamming. However, the only action that we can take is to remove the member from the community. We will also monitor to ensure the member is not creating a new name to scam again.*

There are some simple things that members can do to protect themselves when using the selling forums. The following are just a few things that I think people can do to protect themselves:

• Be wary of members that have joined recently or have low post counts. Sometimes the members that are here to scam other members will typically PM members with items to sell, especially in response to a Want to Buy thread. Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to ask for proof of ownership pics. Ask the member to show you a pic with a code word, that day's date and the item. If the seller does not want to do this, then run away.
• Look at the post history. Does the member just have posts that are simple, like "nice tank"? These members aren't adding value to the community and might just be here to make a quick buck and move on.
• Do not send money as a gift (i.e. PayPal's Friends and Family option, Venmo, or Western Union), EVER!!!! R2R has updated the selling forum rules where members must not ask for the items to be sent as a gift. If you send the money as a gift, you will lose any chance of protection with paypal (or whatever service you are paying with). Also, try to use a credit card as your payment with paypal. If for some reason the transaction goes south and paypal does not side with you, you may have protection from the credit card issuer and you can open a dispute with them.
• Check the feedback forums first before doing business with anyone. The feedback forums are not used as much as they should be. They can be a valuable resource to determine whether someone deserves to get your business. If you do business with a member or vendor (sponsor or not), post up a feedback thread. Let the community know how the transaction went.
• Check the feedback score. This can give you a snapshot of how the person does business.

If you feel that you had a transaction that went south, it is important to start a feedback thread. This way other members can know to stay away from that person. Make sure to keep a copy of all correspondence. You can save a copy of the PM's to your computer. Contact paypal immediately. Also, I would reach out to your local authorities. Fraud via the internet is something that is not taken lightly. Actually, interstate commerce fraud can be considered a felony and bring stiff penalties. Do not be hesitant to contact them. Lastly, please report any PM's, posts, or visitor messages where you suspect the member is scamming other members. The staff looks at each and every reported post. We keep everything anonymous so you do not have to worry about being a snitch.

Btw, if you've never read our forum selling rules, here is the link: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/selling-trading-forum-rules-please-read-before-posting.115471/

Thanks - though I dont usually buy stuff here - but - it would be helpful to know the context of how this happens. I.e. user x bought this and this happened - without using specifics. Only reason I'm saying this is - lets say I'm a first time seller - according to this - I wouldn't be very successful. There has to be a better way. (i.e. - doesnt the PayPal 'payment for goods and services' solve this problem without trying to measure feedback, posts, etc)? IDK - just asking. Good Headsup though

 

[MnFish1]

NO FINGER POINTING JUST FYI.....mind me I am a buyer who spends WAY TOO MUCH ON CORAL!

If a Seller “confirms = more than once ” his SPS mini-colony is 3”. What is an acceptable size when you pay A LOT and it arrives actually at 1-1/4” maximum at largest point with a ruler? Who pays?

Vote please: refund, credit, or do I lose.

That coral arrives 100% dead, I warned ‘it is 103 here today’. Arrives DOA in a bag only twice size of coral (no water) with no protection! But sellers delivery was a day late and bag leaked but seller says Fedex is to blame but his DOA only states “for mechanical failure, weather or act of God”. But it was delayed because box was ooozing smelly disgusting liquidFedex did know if toxic or nuclear? Or fish juice (no live fish labels). But seller claims DOA is only is his shipment is not delayed!

Don’t we care if these creatures are lost!

No. Items must be guaranteed to arrive alive (no weak excuses and caveats) or DO NOT BUY. Great companies like LiveAquaria.com, pacfiicaquaculter, reefgodz, extremecorals, Jason Fox and Rich Negret WOULD NEVER LEAVE YOU SCREWED! Mom and pops well...Bless their hearts they need the $.

Ask! What size. What colors? Send me a pic? Confirm this is WYSIWYG? Right. USE PAYPAL! Pay the fee if you must. And pray you get that piece of the Ocean you worked so hard to preserve in the tank you worked so hard to purchase and enjoy!

I love my reef and R2R!

If the size is wrong - send it back - and get a refund. (you shouldn't lose)
If you order coral when the temperature is possibly going to be impossible to control - its on you (i.e. - I only order stuff only - rarely - if ever - and only when its fall/spring. Of course - honorable (larger) shippers - check the weather at the shipment location - and either delay shipment or add extra cooling/heating/water, etc - to avoid the problem.

I think there is a big difference between ordering from a 'firm' like Liveaquaria etc - vs an individual. If you order from an individual - you shoudl realize you're ordering from 'an individual'. I would expect to pay less - because of the risk...

I'm not talking about outright 'fraud here' - but anyone that orders something from a random person from Ebay, etc etc etc etc - is his/her own worse enemy.