I thought I would post this here to let everyone know there is a scammer on the loose.

I posted 2 machines for sale on the Machinery Exchange, 1 sold fairly quickly and I knew I was dealing with a legitiment company. The other I had a funny feeling.

Most of our communication was done via text message, and the 2 times we spoke, his English was so bad I could hardly understand him. We worked out a price and he said he would mail me a check, and soon as it cleared, he would have a truck here to pick it up.

He said he was from NC, the check was mailed from MS, and the company name on the check was from TX. I called the company from TX and it turns out I was the second person that called today in regards about a check, and it was for another woodworking machine. The check was counterfeit, and a good one at that.

The moral of the story, only accept a cashiers check, not a company check unless you know who you are dealing with.

The fraudulent check was written from Aries Freight Systems. The person I spoke with was very good to work with, and I'm sure she doesn't mind that I am letting people know what is going on.

Mark

There are counterfeit cashier's checks also.

I often struggle with how to buy machinery on the used market. Ideally, I want to go and see it in person, at which time I'll write a cheque or pay cash. There's several large machines that I am interested it, just never able to figure out who sends money first, and who's butt is on the line (somebody has to trust first).

Hi all,
I'm glad Mark avoided the scam before it was too late. At Woodweb, we do try to block/weed out possible scam responses, but it's not easy. Because of the high $$ amounts involved, the machinery exchange does draw some bad actors.

The case above points out some clues that you are being scammed, and I can add a few more:

- Buyer asks questions already answered in the post (eg. "What is the price?").
- Buyer won't communicate via phone call (only text / email).
- Buyer offers to pay "extra" money for shipping, or some special arrangement.

As old fashioned as it might seem, requesting a phone call might be a good test if anything seems off with the buyer. If that's refused for any reason, it's probably a red flag.

-Jim (webmaster)

Buying on the used machinery market is much easier than selling.

OP fell for a very old scam.

Sad but it still happens.

Buyers shouldnt be suspicious of places like woodweb or anywhere for that matter. Do your due dillgence. Buying sight unseen from a.reputable seller is still a great way to score great machines at a great price.... but you still have to do the work

I have found that dealing with other woodworkers is always trustworthy. Most of us are too tired to try to cheat anyone.
I have found Woodweb to be clean, except for the obvious cheats that are pushing the old scams.
I also have had no trouble at all with two major auction/used sites - IRS - Industrial Recovery Services and Ex-Factory. Both buying and selling.
Due diligence is still required, as well as common sense.

Yes one must be careful. I have purchased quite a few used machines over he years. Some were very good deals, others were good for what the need I purchased them for, and few were boat anchors. I am fairly good with doing repairs myself, I know basic electrical and pnematics so that really helps. I stay away from buying/selling anything that someone won't let you look at or does not want to see. I will take business check but will not ship until it clears but I always call the bank and the business to verify. Of course google the bank and the business to get the correct addresses and phone numbers. Just use basic common sense. Dealing with IRS and x factory auctions are ok but the additional fees, taxes auction surcharges, loading etc can add up to a 20 % or more increase above your bid price. Auction houses charge the seller15-18% to list an item, so they are making 30%o so off the sale. I have often wondered about the "secret bidder" who has no intention of actually buying the product but at the instructions of the owner or auction house bids just to raises the price of the item. Just remember if a deal is just to good to be true, or if the price is only good for today, watch out for the red flags.

Thanks for the warning. I will keep an eye out for scammers

Thanks for letting us know. We really have to be more careful with that.