Chrono24 and watchfinder - seller security??

Shaun_UK · Sep 5, 2021

Hi all,

I'm looking to sell my speedmaster.

I'm an old-hat on ebay and am well aware of all the scammers so it makes me equally as suspicious of sites like chrono24 and watchfinder.

My question is..... what sort of security do these sites offer to sellers?

Thanks

Darlinboy · Sep 5, 2021

No platform is completely scam-free, but there are always steps you can take to protect yourself. I have used Chrono24 a couple of times for sales with no issues. And I have sold many lower-value watches on eBay. But, most sales have been through listings on OF or other public watch forums.

For higher-value watches, and as a relatively infrequent seller in that space I strongly prefer private transactions with payment via bank wire before shipment - no question the safest route.

stevec14 · Sep 5, 2021

I’ve sold watches to watchfinder. No issues whatsoever. I wouldn’t have any concern doing the same again.

Dan S · Sep 5, 2021

I can see that the OP is in the UK, but the new eBay authentication in the US does successfully protect sellers against scammers. Of course, the authentication process makes me nervous for other reasons.

PATLONG · Oct 7, 2021

O well well!!! I have been scammed by an Ebay seller omega_watchessvintage selling an Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon watch 145.01267-SP for $1650.00 USD or best offer. A real deal. I was like a kid...ok I want it now...I offered him $1650 and bingo!! Yeahhh I won this watch!!! Heuu but not yet... the seller came back to me and pretended having issue invoicing me through EBAY. (see pictures)

Instead he proposed me to send a PayPal invoice with all the watch detail. Fair enough for me, and I proceed with the payment and make sure to get my buyer protection in case....just in case (hic)

Well not really. The seller came back again saying "I have restriction issues with my paypal acc." and would like to cancel the deal, refund you and use my "wife paypal acc." to generate a new invoice. But before generating the new invoice he asked me to open a Paypal Dispute and close it in order to proceed with my refund??? Yes correct, Open a Paypal Dispute et Close it.... here is where my compulsivity for the this watch became a nightmare and tricky.

I was so Speedy Pre-Moondy focus that I forgot all the security rules and I opened and closed the dispute like a dummy guy (since 2005 buying online and using Paypal) and get back to the seller asking him if everything was fine. Hi said yes!! By closing my Paypal Dispute I was loosing my buyer protection and allowed the scammer to securely get his money with no more alternative for me to get my money back from Paypal.

I ended this up with a lost of $1650.00US. A huge learning curve for me about Ebay-Paypal-Scammer and a too real deal!!

Dgercp · Oct 7, 2021

PATLONG
O well well!!! I have been scammed by an Ebay seller omega_watchessvintage selling an Omega Speedmaster Pre Moon watch 145.01267-SP for $1650.00 USD or best offer. A real deal. I was like a kid...ok I want it now...I offered him $1650 and bingo!! Yeahhh I won this watch!!! Heuu but not yet... the seller came back to me and pretended having issue invoicing me through EBAY. (see pictures)

Instead he proposed me to send a PayPal invoice with all the watch detail. Fair enough for me, and I proceed with the payment and make sure to get my buyer protection in case....just in case (hic)

Well not really. The seller came back again saying "I have restriction issues with my paypal acc." and would like to cancel the deal, refund you and use my "wife paypal acc." to generate a new invoice. But before generating the new invoice he asked me to open a Paypal Dispute and close it in order to proceed with my refund??? Yes correct, Open a Paypal Dispute et Close it.... here is where my compulsivity for the this watch became a nightmare and tricky.

I was so Speedy Pre-Moondy focus that I forgot all the security rules and I opened and closed the dispute like a dummy guy (since 2005 buying online and using Paypal) and get back to the seller asking him if everything was fine. Hi said yes!! By closing my Paypal Dispute I was loosing my buyer protection and allowed the scammer to securely get his money with no more alternative for me to get my money back from Paypal.

I ended this up with a lost of $1650.00US. A huge learning curve for me about Ebay-Paypal-Scammer and a too real deal!!

Many many red flags. You got off cheap.

Shay · Oct 7, 2021

I sold and bought from Watchfinder. No issue hassle free. You might not get the best price, but it’s easy

ChrisN · Oct 7, 2021

PATLONG
O well well!!! I

You should have seen this one coming. There are so many red flags: very cheap watch; issues with account; multiple accounts; working outside of eBay(?). When people start playing around, just walk away - there is always another watch and another seller.

I've sold and bought cheaper things on eBay and have never had a problem. Most people are genuine and honest but there are always some. I hope you have more luck in the future.

Cheers, Chris

Evitzee · Oct 7, 2021

.......If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is......

Just applying this age old principle would have prevented @PATLONG from getting scammed.

ChiefMark · Oct 7, 2021

PATLONG
O well well!!! I have been scammed by an eBay seller

Your scam had nothing to do with eBay, or PayPal. It had everything to do with operating outside the boundaries established by both platforms to reduce fraud and abuse.
This was close to pulling up to an ATM to make a deposit, and some random guy is standing there who says, "the machine is broken, just give me the money and your account number and pin; I'll take care of everything for you."
Not the bank's fault.

Scarecrow Boat · Oct 7, 2021

PATLONG
I have been scammed by an Ebay seller omega_watchessvintage

Always check out the seller prior to the deal. Their eBay rating is a giant red flag from the start. 63% is a hard no go for me

Chrono24 and watchfinder - seller security??

Shaun_UK

Darlinboy

stevec14

Dan S

PATLONG

Dgercp

Shay

ChrisN

Evitzee

ChiefMark

Scarecrow Boat

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