Private Party purchase w/Money Order?

[dr.slushbox]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a rifle and I've found what I want but it's out of state and every seller wants payment by money order. Maybe it's just me, but isn't that unwise to send a stranger money and then hope that he sends the rifle. I'm not even getting to the quality here (although that is an issue) just the basic transaction sounds foolish. Am I missing something here?
Is there a way to get money to a seller that is secure for both parties? I have made several firearms purchases on the internet, but it has either been with a dealer that takes credit cards or with paypal where I can dispute the charges if the rifle never shows up.
How can I be assured that the seller is honest and going to follow through.

Thanks for the input.

[tradecraft]

If you don't trust the seller enough to send him a MO, find another deal.

[Oceanbob]

Does the seller have any feedback..or history of honest transactions?

I wouldn't send any money for anything unless I had some backup plan to stop payment or dispute charges.

Bob

Hi, I'm looking to buy a rifle and I've found what I want but it's out of state and every seller wants payment by money order. Maybe it's just me, but isn't that unwise to send a stranger money and then hope that he sends the rifle. I'm not even getting to the quality here (although that is an issue) just the basic transaction sounds foolish. Am I missing something here?
Is there a way to get money to a seller that is secure for both parties? I have made several firearms purchases on the internet, but it has either been with a dealer that takes credit cards or with paypal where I can dispute the charges if the rifle never shows up.
How can I be assured that the seller is honest and going to follow through.

Thanks for the input.

[TheBest]

It's pretty common, actually, to take Postal Service Money Orders. You're not supposed to send money through PP for firearms since their TOS strictly prohibit that and both accounts could get locked/lose all the money.

If you don't get the item, you can report them to the police (in their area) and mail inspectors (mail fraud - big time trouble).

[dr.slushbox]

That's where I'm coming from, there are many "guns for sale" posts for money order only even on gunbroker and GA. I just thought that maybe I was missing something on this.
No feedback... it's Armslist.com.

[dr.slushbox]

It's pretty common, actually, to take Postal Service Money Orders. You're not supposed to send money through PP for firearms since their TOS strictly prohibit that and both accounts could get locked/lose all the money.

If you don't get the item, you can report them to the police (in their area) and mail inspectors (mail fraud - big time trouble).

What do you mean "TOS strictly prohibit that and both accounts could get locked/lose all the money."?
And in my experience with other business transactions (seller lied), out of state law enforcement doesn't care about my problem and postal authorities won't get involved.

[Librarian]

What do you mean "TOS strictly prohibit that and both accounts could get locked/lose all the money."?
And in my experience with other business transactions (seller lied), out of state law enforcement doesn't care about my problem and postal authorities won't get involved.

PP = PayPal; it's their terms of service referenced.

[dr.slushbox]

Okay, Thanks for the input. I think the best advice in this circumstance is... find a rifle at a reputable dealer that takes plastic.

Thanks again for the help. CalGuns is great... we're all in this together.

[RandyD]

I have been buying and selling firearms and parts for years and routinely use a Postal Money Order, and have not had any problems. To me, it is a routine method of exchanging funds. However, I understand your concerns.

[glockman19]

Postal Money Orders are fine... You need the guy's name and address to send it to him and for him to cash or deposit it.

[GMG]

I just cashed a USPS M.O. today at the post office.

They had me fill in my address on the front. The postal clerk worte down my D/L # and expiration date.

You mess with the Postal Service and your messing with the feds!

[Inkman]

Bought several handguns from in state and from across the country using USPS Money Orders. Only from people i spoke to and all but one had a long time presence on other gun forums. Never had a problem yet but it can and does happen from what i've seen.

Al

[Beelzy]

Say What!....USPS Money Orders are GTG!

It's the other money orders that one has to worry about.

[wellfedirishman]

I have routinely used USPS money orders (MOs) for purchases. Since a MO is a Federal instrument, anyone who commits fraud via a MO will have the Feds on their tail once you report it to the US Postal Inspectors. That is a sufficient threat to help ward off bad behavior, unless the seller is really dumb.

Now if anyone offered payment by Western Union, Moneygram, etc. I would be suspicious. Those payment systems are commonly used for fraud.

Still, call and talk to the person and check for feedback (Google their username) on other sites, etc before proceeding. If you can find the item locally (or online at Buds, etc.) that is usually less risky