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GuiltyGear
·Hi all. I've been receiving scam PMs since I made my first WTB post. Have reported the user, deleted the conversation and moved on. This time I thought of giving it a try just out of curiosity. Just to see how the person will respond, evade any questions, and finally maybe I could understand who's behind the screen.
The PM was as follows by this user. I've only redacted the email.
Right off the bat you can tell they're either a young person, have not so great English, or a combination of both. I'm sure they're registering users frequently with random emails and sending that template of a message to everyone they can.
My conversation with them via email continues as follows. I've removed greetings and closings, just to keep it tidy. The body of the emails hasn't been edited in any way.
Their plan is typical. Fish for someone interested in something; give them a price they think it's fair, but it's also not that low as to minimize their "earnings"; pretend to be from the US to make it convincing, even though their English is not great; and of course request payment via Paypal F&F so there's no turning back. Are they really a 21 years old from Yemen that goes to School? I don't think there's any point in following it up, as someone who lies you once, is probably gonna keep on lying. Can't say I don't feel some empathy for what they have to do to get a few bucks, though.
This was just an experiment out of curiosity that I though I'd share for the curiosity of others. There's nothing to learn here. Bottom line, be cautions and only trust people that have a proven history of trust.
The PM was as follows by this user. I've only redacted the email.
hello are you still interested in getting this?.
you can contact kevin he has some Omega 1503 Bracelet Link for sale........... PM him @ [**email redacted**]
Right off the bat you can tell they're either a young person, have not so great English, or a combination of both. I'm sure they're registering users frequently with random emails and sending that template of a message to everyone they can.
My conversation with them via email continues as follows. I've removed greetings and closings, just to keep it tidy. The body of the emails hasn't been edited in any way.
Me: Hey Kevin. Someone gave me your email in Omega Forums. I'm interested in buying one or two links, depending on availability, for an Omega 1503 bracelet. Do you still have any? If so please send me a couple photos and the price you're asking.
Kevin: Yes I have some available for sale. Where are you located?
Me: I'm located in Tirana, Albania.
Kevin: Will you be open to shipping? I’m located at US
Me: Yeah, as long as the price is right, no problem for me.
Kevin: Considering the distance I want to be fair with the price, let me know how much you are willing to offer shipped to you. As I don’t want to sway you away with my price.
Me: Well, these are selling for $70 new on eBay with $20+ for shipping. For a used one I'd have no problem paying $50-60 shipping included. Is that far from your price range? Also, do you have two links or just one?
Kevin: I have 2. How is 120 shipped to you for the 2
Me: That works. Do you have any photo of the links just to check the condition. They also include pins and tubes, right? Also, does Paypal work for you?
Kevin: Yes they do. They are in a mint condition. I can send some pictures when I get home. Can I use my son PayPal? He can accept payment as friends and family so as to fasten the shipment, shipping will be made today and I will send you the tracking number. Let me know if that works for you.
Me: I'm not here to judge or be a moral compass, but what you're doing is shitty. I also imagine you're from a poor country and this is your way to help your family or save some money for yourself. If you'll even bother answering, where are you from and how old are you. I have no ill intention, just plain curiosity.
Kevin: I’m sorry. Your intervention will really be of help
Me: You still didn't tell me where you're from and how old you are. If I can find a way to help, I sure will.
Kevin: 21 Yemen. I want to go to School
Their plan is typical. Fish for someone interested in something; give them a price they think it's fair, but it's also not that low as to minimize their "earnings"; pretend to be from the US to make it convincing, even though their English is not great; and of course request payment via Paypal F&F so there's no turning back. Are they really a 21 years old from Yemen that goes to School? I don't think there's any point in following it up, as someone who lies you once, is probably gonna keep on lying. Can't say I don't feel some empathy for what they have to do to get a few bucks, though.
This was just an experiment out of curiosity that I though I'd share for the curiosity of others. There's nothing to learn here. Bottom line, be cautions and only trust people that have a proven history of trust.
