Ultra dishonest member

**pixel_junkie** · 06-30-2021, 01:57 AM

So I reached out to a member who had listed a watch for trade. Offered to buy it and even pay over the going rate. He first said no. I checked in with him once. After a while, he PMed me and agreed to sell it. I paid his asking price. Maybe half a day later, I get a refund notification and a PM from the same member apologizing. He decided to keep it. I was not happy about it and let him know but what can I do, moved on. Today I see he closed the thread indicating he sold it to another member and he even tagged the person who bought it from him.

Is this not the *******st thing someone can do?! I mean, zero integrity … who does this?!

Mods, is this okay on this site? I’m speechless.

**Macarone** · 06-30-2021, 02:32 AM

Did he sell it for a lower value?

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**pixel_junkie** · 06-30-2021, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Macarone

Did he sell it for a lower value?

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To me, he sold it for what the watch is worth considering TD prices. What he sold it to the other member (or trade it), I have no idea.

**Jeffdodge** · 06-30-2021, 02:43 AM

I would say that's a highly unclassy move and certainly not in the spirit of this hobby. You have every right to be aggravated.

I've sold watches in years past where people have pm'd me offering more than the guy who paid it. I would politely decline their offer - that's not how I conduct myself.

That said, I would try to look on the positive side of things. At least the guy refunded you. I've seen too many members on here in recent years not have the good fortune you did - and to me, that is the most dishonest and sh1ttiest thing a member can do to another member. Take the money and run. Just scummy.

So be p1ssed, but also count yourself lucky would be my thought on the matter.

**Sparty** · 06-30-2021, 03:02 AM

Can you PM me so I can add to the "do not buy from" list?

**pixel_junkie** · 06-30-2021, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by Sparty

Can you PM me so I can add to the "do not buy from" list?

PMed

**pixel_junkie** · 06-30-2021, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jeffdodge

I would say that's a highly unclassy move and certainly not in the spirit of this hobby. You have every right to be aggravated.

I've sold watches in years past where people have pm'd me offering more than the guy who paid it. I would politely decline their offer - that's not how I conduct myself.

That said, I would try to look on the positive side of things. At least the guy refunded you. I've seen too many members on here in recent years not have the good fortune you did - and to me, that is the most dishonest and sh1ttiest thing a member can do to another member. Take the money and run. Just scummy.

So be p1ssed, but also count yourself lucky would be my thought on the matter.

I hear you loud and clear. And you’re absolutely right. Just that trust is built in drops and lost in buckets and in this hobby, the buckets have been countless.

**JMS1988** · 06-30-2021, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by pixel_junkie

Mods, is this okay on this site?

AFAIK the situation you've described doesn't violate any concrete rules. However, it is against good practice. As mentioned above, you have every right to be disgruntled with the matter at hand. You can PM me the user ID and we'll keep an eye on his other activity in the sales section. While the seller reserves the right to choose a buyer, it should take place before payment, not after. Here, it looks to be more of a "sold to the highest bidder" case, conducted with disregard towards good practice.

**pixel_junkie** · 06-30-2021, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by JMS1988

AFAIK the situation you've described doesn't violate any concrete rules. However, it is against good practice. As mentioned above, you have every right to be disgruntled with the matter at hand. You can PM me the user ID and we'll keep an eye on his other activity in the sales section. While the seller reserves the right to choose a buyer, it should take place before payment, not after. Here, it looks to be more of a "sold to the highest bidder" case, conducted with disregard towards good practice.

Understood, thank you.

At the same time, something shady is going on. I contacted the buyer just to understand when and how he was approached to buy the watch in question and here’s his reply:

Sorry to hear that, yes I bought it and in the same post I got scammed by the member Bronzestar that the mentioned to have a sub41, he sold me then he disappeared. Strange coincidences, don’t you think too? Now I’m gonna contact the RG mods too, please let me know how I can help you.

**JMS1988** · 07-01-2021, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by pixel_junkie

Understood, thank you.

At the same time, something shady is going on. I contacted the buyer just to understand when and how he was approached to buy the watch in question and here’s his reply:

Sorry to hear that, yes I bought it and in the same post I got scammed by the member Bronzestar that the mentioned to have a sub41, he sold me then he disappeared. Strange coincidences, don’t you think too? Now I’m gonna contact the RG mods too, please let me know how I can help you.

Bronzestar didn't reply to my messages regarding the situation with TomasBangalter and was therefore permanently removed from the active members list, both here and on other boards as well.

He misses us so much that he tried to come back already, that's why a word of warning for all members is needed - be on high alert for potential scammers and other suspicious activity. Do your research regarding the person you want to trade with. Sometimes getting scammed can be avoided by looking at past activity of the said person. Low post count combined with recent registration date and willingness to sell you the exact watch you're looking for in a WTB section can be potential red flags.