If it sounds too good to be true.........

[srspicer]

Greetings All,

I have been contacted by someone who wants three specific, replica rifles made. The issues;

The Quantity, three?
The Improper English used-"I am interested in buying Bucks County Rifle some pieces from you. Picture attached. Can you provide me?
If yes can you tell me specs of this piece?
Thanks "
The poor English alone screams scam. The use of the word 'specs' instead of cost, price or quote is also unusual.
I plan on using TOTW kits to create the rifles, with approval from this possible client.
HOWEVER, I wanted feed back from those who build a higher volume per year than I do. I anticipate emails stating they will send me a check, which is a huge red flag.
Any thoughts and input from the more experienced commission builders will be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanx very much in advance.
Tripp

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Greetings All,

I have been contacted by someone who wants three specific, replica rifles made. The issues;

The Quantity, three?
The Improper English used-"I am interested in buying Bucks County Rifle some pieces from you. Picture attached. Can you provide me?
If yes can you tell me specs of this piece?
Thanks "
The poor English alone screams scam. The use of the word 'specs' instead of cost, price or quote is also unusual.
I plan on using TOTW kits to create the rifles, with approval from this possible client.
HOWEVER, I wanted feed back from those who build a higher volume per year than I do. I anticipate emails stating they will send me a check, which is a huge red flag.
Any thoughts and input from the more experienced commission builders will be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanx very much in advance.
Tripp

A guy told me a long time ago: " Anytime you are dealing with a person you don't know, do per CITHF". Cash In The Hands First. No sweat then.
Larry

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

Sounds Nigerian...

 

[PEARL DRUMS]

Run the other way and fast. Try to get a phone call set up. I'd bet it doesn't happen on their end.

 

[Notchy Bob]

It sounds fishy to me, but maybe it’s some rich Kuwaiti sheik. Who knows? People in oil-rich countries buy all kinds of stuff. It shouldn’t hurt to ask in advance where the completed rifles will need to be shipped. If you can get paid enough in advance to cover expenses, then paid in full on completion but before shipping, maybe. If they want to wire money for direct deposit in your account, I would hang up and block the caller. I would not open any attachments in their emails, either.

Please let us know how this plays out. Scammers come in all shapes and sizes these days, and they are becoming more creative.

Good luck to you, and please be careful.

Notchy Bob

 

[srspicer]

Thanks for the advice everyone!
@Notchy Bob , Those are my usual terms, Payment for parts, up front start up, full payment upon completion w/ approval via images. Shipping & insurance on the client. I did request an address and I was given a Columbus, Mississippi address. I googled the location and it is not in the middle of a lake. ;}
@PEARL DRUMS -Not a bad idea.

 

[SDSmlf]

Hard stop time unless down payment clears and covers all upfront expenses. Next question, will you be willing and able to ‘sell’ the guns produced at a price that makes sense if the deal falls through. Guessing $3k plus for the parts sets for the 3 guns….. Will the guns once complete as requested be easy to move at a profitable price? Or will you be waxing your carrot?

To quote a wise man,

If it sounds too good to be true.........​

 

[Tumbledown]

He'll send a check for too much, ask you to send him back the balance, and leave you holding a bad check and smaller account when it fails to clear a couple of weeks later.

(Just because a bank releases funds after a few days doesn't guarantee a check is good.)

 

[longcruise]

And, be careful about cashiers checks. Easily and often counterfeited.

 

[WonkyEye]

Payment clearing isn't enough. Charge backs can happen days after a payment clears the bank. If he asks for a refund in the interim, you send the money back to him, then the bank does the chargeback leaving you short. I have no personal experience with this, but I know someone who has been scammed by this on Facebook marketplace. Best bet is to ask your bank for guidance.

 

[htredneck]

It’s a scam

 

[SOLANCO]

Find a better customer. One who does not raise the hairs on the back of your neck.

 

[srspicer]

Thanks to everyone who responded to this discussion.
I have respectfully declined the commission of three rifle builds. The majority of you have reinforced my initial feeling that this was a possible scam.
Thanx much everyone. I value all of the advice I have been given over the years here.
Huzzah to you all!!
Tripp

 

[morehops52]

Good decision. I've turned several down similar requests worded just like you posted and I've never regretted it.

 

[olskool]

when i am selling or buying and there is a significant amount of money involved, i must talk to the person on the phone or in person or i do not do a deal!

 

[Fatboyz]

Ask for his name and phone number so you can call him to discuss the builds. This will be the tell tale to a scam!

 

[ZUG]

Your decision was a hard one to make for sure. On one hand the lure of a three-rifle sale is very tempting. But the risk of being scammed is great by someone you do not know. With so many people coming into this country every day from all parts of the world you can't tell who are honest and who are scammers. Just because someone does not have command of the english language does not mean they are untrustworthy. There are MANY out there that were born in the U.S. and speak great english that are CROOKS through and through! I think you made the right choice for you!