Ok, so I have a machine for sale and got a response from my ad on Mr. Pinball. First message seemed legit so I sent him some pictures. Next couple of messages seemed straight out of "scammer 101" so I asked for a phone number where I could call him. He gives me a number. I do a reverse look-up on it and it only says that it's a landline in Seattle.

Originally, the guy says he's in Connecticut so I asked what gives with the number being in Seattle when he said previously that he was in Connecticut. He says his family is there and he wants it shipped there.

So, I'm pretty sure this is a scammer but I've never had one give me an actual number to call when I've asked for that.

I haven't called the number yet as I didn't have time tonight. Has anyone else ever had a scammer give them a number to call and if so, what happened when you called the number?

Dave

#2 9 years ago

LUK

limelime20

Inactive member

12y 47,150 855 13 14

Oh, give him a call, doesn't sound so out of the question....you will soon learn
his intensions from the phone call....never know.

#3 9 years ago

DER

dmklunk

Pinside+ Frequent

New Oxford, PA

11y 48,650 1,198

I would just call it and see what happens. Worst case scenario is you hang up if you're uncomfortable.
I've had unlisted numbers show up on a reverse lookup so don't let that deter you necessarily.

Again, I think you should at least try to call him. I think if he was a scammer he would have backed off when you asked for a number. If you call him you're probably going to be able to tell if he's a shady guy or not.

Good luck!
Derek

#4 9 years ago

DAN

egyptrus

Pinside+ Frequent

Muskego, WI

11y 75,150 1,637 15

That's kind of what I'm thinking...the number appears to be a US based number and doing a quick google search it showed up a few times associated to a company (although I couldn't figure out where it was based).

It's just that his emails sounded so scammerish and based on location, the game would have to be shipped.

I think you're right though, a quick phone call would certainly give you insight into his intentions.

It's one of those "if it seems bad, it probably is" but then again he gave a number and is pretty much inviting me to call him.

Dave

#5 9 years ago

BLY

MrBally

Pinside member

Paradise, NV

12y 141K 13,936 22 1

In this day and age of people relocating all over the place, service industry field jobs and cell phones etc, it is common for your neighbors to have cell and even land-lines from several states away. People in my subdivision have Connecticut, New York City, Pittsburgh and California phone numbers. Pinball sellers too.

#6 9 years ago

DAN

egyptrus

Pinside+ Frequent

Muskego, WI

11y 75,150 1,637 15

Quoted from MrBally:
In this day and age of people relocating all over the place, service industry field jobs and cell phones etc, it is common for your neighbors to have cell and even land-lines from several states away. People in my subdivision have Connecticut, New York City, Pittsburgh and California phone numbers. Pinball sellers too.

I get that cell numbers can be from all over the place but I was under the impression that landlines were still regional. I know that phones can be forwarded, etc, but I just have a feeling this guy isn't quite telling the truth.

I've tried to be as nice as possible in my responses, just in case he's legit, but at this point my scam-o-meter is pegging pretty high.

Dave

#7 9 years ago

MMR

MonsterBash26

Pinside member

Regina, SK

10y 30,550 65 18

I've known people that used VOIP service and had a American phone number even though they lived in Canada. I believe that it was because most of their business was in silicon valley and they did it to avoid long distance charges.

#8 9 years ago

DAN

egyptrus

Pinside+ Frequent

Muskego, WI

11y 75,150 1,637 15

Quoted from MonsterBash26:
I've known people that used VOIP service and had a American phone number even though they lived in Canada. I believe that it was because most of their business was in silicon valley and they did it to avoid long distance charges.

I don't know much about VOIP, but if that were the case, when you did a reverse number look-up, would it indicate it's a landline? I suppose it could. I guess I've got to stop being so "old-fashioned" when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Dave

#9 9 years ago

NLR

trudert9

Pinside member

Medina, OH

10y 38,550 432 3 27

I had vonage about 10 years ago and had a number that was different than what was local. I believe it showed up as a land line on a reverse look up

#10 9 years ago

DHF

fosaisu

Pinside+ Frequent

10y 142K 10,355

OP
Quoted from egyptrus:
I get that cell numbers can be from all over the place but I was under the impression that landlines were still regional. I know that phones can be forwarded, etc, but I just have a feeling this guy isn't quite telling the truth.
I've tried to be as nice as possible in my responses, just in case he's legit, but at this point my scam-o-meter is pegging pretty high.
Dave

For what it's worth, I think there were some "number portability" regs within the past 10-15 years and if you cancel your landline service you can generally now "carry" that number with you to a cell phone. And of course you could then just take your cell phone with you when you move to a new city. Only place I think you'd run into trouble keeping the number is if, in your new city, you try to start a new plan with a new provider -- in my experience they won't let you "carry" a number over from a different city to new service you sign up for in a new city (which is fair enough I guess).

#11 9 years ago

DAN

egyptrus

Pinside+ Frequent

Muskego, WI

11y 75,150 1,637 15

I guess the only way to know what's going on is to give the number a call...I'm thinking scammer but maybe I'll be suprised.

Dave

#12 9 years ago

???

Shoot_Again

Pinside member

Vancouver, WA

12y 83,400 8,453 2

I would call him if He sounds legit see if a local pinsider to seattle will inspect the game for you. Just ask on the Pacific NW buyers sellers thread. I am sure someone here on the west coast will help you if it still seems legit after a phone conversation.

Either way best of luck travel with caution every word could be used against you.
Same is true for subtle speak of questionable person on the other end of the phone.

#13 9 years ago

DAN

egyptrus

Pinside+ Frequent

Muskego, WI

11y 75,150 1,637 15

Shoot_Again, in this case he's a potential buyer of a game I have for sale. He seems like he's trying to scam me but giving me a number to call him at threw me for a loop. I figured he was scamming so asked for a number and was surprised when he gave it to me. I figured asking for the number would scare him away. So far, it hasn't.

Dave

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