Scammed by Forum Member Blk_Sapphire_M3

[SimbaPBA]

Update: I have received my money back! Thank you to everyone!! I will be removing any personal information from my posts.

[SimbaPBA]

Personal information removed.

[Gotmpower]

Damn sorry bro. Let it be a lesson to all of us.

[SD ///M4]

How many of these posts have we seen recently? When will people learn?

Always use a payment method where you have recourse! If the buyer won't cooperate, then they can't be trusted, just walk away!

[bdaddylo]

You should troll all his posts.

[Arcades]

Sorry that happened.

However, your best bet to make sure something good comes out of this (maybe even getting something back) is to physically visit a Chase bank branch and speak to someone there. Do not call them on the phone.

Other than that though. Avoid using Chase Quickpay/Zelle or even Venmo UNLESS you know the person and you trust him. Only use ways to make sure you have some sort of protection. Aka directly at a bank or Paypal where you have protections in place just in case he bails on you.

[SimbaPBA]

Thanks for the kind words and support guys. I truly enjoy this forum and appreciate being a part of it.

[Whyte_Diamonds]

Originally Posted by SimbaPBA

This was my mistake for believing and trusting in people. I'm new to the forum and truly was excited to be part of a great community. It is a lesson learned and I'm more mad at myself for thinking there are just and honest individuals in the world.

I'm posting this not to bash anyone but just to let our members be aware of forum member Blk_Sapphire_M3. Long story short, he had a set of 437m wheels and tires for sale. We discussed back and forth via text, emails and private messages. Pictures were sent and even had a phone conversation with him. We decided on a price and as much as I wanted to use PayPal, he agreed to letting me send a deposit for the wheels and I would pay the rest once received. This is where I messed up and sent money thru Chase Quickpay/Zelle as that's what he preferred. 24 hours later the phone number isn't working, texts aren't being answered.

Please guys, don't let this happen to you. Be smart and stick to using PayPal where you have some security. I had red flags and I failed to recognize them because I was just so excited. If you're dealing with someone on here and something doesn't seem right, even for a second, reconsider purchasing goods from that person or you'll learn the hard way like I did.

I hope this helps everyone stay safe and smart out there. Thanks for your time.

You can see his post here:
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post26105171

Sorry to hear that bro. Things are crazy these days. ESPECIALLY now when many are out of jobs. My best rule of thumb is to bid from well known members with good tenure on the forums #1. Also using payment methods that cover you in worse case scenarios would be your best your second backup. Buying anything on here could be a risk so all we can do is use our best judgement from the most reliable sources. Best of luck.

[SimbaPBA]

Thanks bro, agreed. Be smart about buying/seling goods and please let's look out for one another, especially in times like this when we should stick together.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by SimbaPBA

Thanks bro, agreed. Be smart about buying/seling goods and please let's look out for one another, especially in times like this when we should stick together.

When it comes to any sale that isn't a car sell itself, always Paypal or CC (if possible).

If they tell you otherwise, don't do it.

Those of us in SoCal are lucky to have so many notable car shops that we can do used transactions with but those who aren't as lucky as we are, you just sadly have to be picky about it.

It is always, always best to go down the safe route when it comes to $$. Don't take chances.

[SimbaPBA]

You're 100% right. Lesson learned, glad it didn't cost me more than it did. Is there anyway to notify the admins or post this somewhere so other members are aware? If I can help prevent even one other person from getting scammed let me know how. Thanks much guys!

[aswy6]

Pretty sure this is his instagram in case if it helps https://instagram.com/f80_nw?igshid=1r3qjwj7257n4

He had it for sale up there as well

[henizwhoa]

That sucks. I hope the deposit wasn't much. Call it a loss and karma will come back to bite him.

[Spun Pornhub]

I have a set of 437M wheels for sale if you're still looking to buy. I take PayPal (Friends & Family), so you can trust me 100%. Just give me a $200 deposit then you can pay the rest when you get the wheels. LMK.

[oduli81]

Maybe Karma is covid 19.. personally I would never buy anything car related from an individual if he isn't in the Tri state area NJ,NY and CT. Personally go meet face to face, inspect and pay cash. Never fails. And of course never go alone lol

[Mintsopoulos]

Damn man sorry to hear. Best option is always paypal. I think even going with the invoicing option is even more protection for both sellers and buyers. Offering to pay the paypal fees (2.9% + $0.30) is always a good incentive.

[SimbaPBA]

Thanks a lot guys. Really means a lot. I just hope this thread makes someone think twice and ensure they purchase wisely.

Stay safe and healthy out there fellas.

[nioh_lbbm2]

Blk_Sapphire_M3

[GA///BIT]

What a fucking scumbag piece of shit!
What goes around comes around!

[nioh_lbbm2]

i don't really have sympathy for people who get scammed but there is a special place in hell for the scammers. Hope the shitbag gets what's coming to him

[White340]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-sabala-351384161

[JRV-F82-M4]

Originally Posted by oduli81

Maybe Karma is covid 19.. personally I would never buy anything car related from an individual if he isn't in the Tri state area NJ,NY and CT. Personally go meet face to face, inspect and pay cash. Never fails. And of course never go alone lol

OP, I am so sorry you got scammed, but luckily it was only your $200 deposit.

Having said that, I would not let that deter you or anyone else from transacting on this forum...it is a great place/way to find mods for our cars without paying full retail prices...and meet other enthusiasts.

I keep a spreadsheet of every item I have ever bought and sold on this forum and I have 59 transactions and never once met face-to-face, all shipped, all paypal, and was never once even close to getting scammed. I have bought and sold some really pricey items including: BBKs, BBS wheels, OEM wheels, tires...all the way up to my current M4 and my previous M3 (had to meet in person for the cars to transfer the titles).

Just do your due diligence...request current pics, contact info, look at previous posts...sure there is always some risk, but you can mitigate most of the risk if you are cautious...and use protection.

Just my $0.02