I would tell him "I need to send this as cash so my wife doesn't see it on the financial statements... give me your address so I can box up the $18000 and send it to you, or would you rather have it in Target Gift cards?"

Well I got contacted today by a brand new Pinside user responding to my wanted ad. Lets see... Hmmm, could this be a scammer? First red flag, brand new Pinside member, just joined today. Second red flag, member donated to Pinside (you know, so we can tell they are "serious"). My ad on the marketplace is looking for a Gottlieb Subway pin, and the third red flag is their user name they chose is "sellsubway". Forth red flag, their avatar is a random internet picture grab of a Subway pinball machine. The seller's name is Jake. I messaged "Jake"... waiting to see if he takes the bait... I'll keep you all posted...

I got a nibble...

[Image removed]

Ok he sent these: a reverse search didn't find them... hmmm.... anyone in Syracuse? May need someone to kick the tires if this turns legit... <insert pipe dream here>

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He sent his phone number via the ad, so I have been suspicious from the start. Too many red flags right off the bat. Took it private to string him along, not expecting this to be anyways near legit. But then again, if he actually has a Subway, I am interested, just not "scammed out of $3-4k" interested. Lol.

Pics were sent via sms, no exif data in them that I can see. But right now, I made an offer on the machine if it turns on and lights up. I actually may have a legit person trying to sell me a Subway. He said he has to go over to the house and try it to see what happens when he plugs it in, he won't be able to do that until Wednesday. Not something a scammer usually does (delay the sale).

Already did. But no other listings.