.

[jeffyhog]

First of all, how did both the stock and the scope arrive damaged? I've seen some crappy packaging jobs and I've seen some inexcusable shipping damages, but a scope should be well packaged in a box, and packaged in another box.
So you called the shipper about the damage. They should have initiated a claim, and the UPS driver should have returned with a Damage Call Tag to pick up the damaged items for inspection. I don't see how UPS would deny a claim without picking up the alleged damaged goods. It sounds like you denied receipt of the package, UPS said they knew it was delivered, and denied the claim.
Anyway, you do a chargeback on the credit card against the vendor. How would UPS know this, and why would they care if they've already denied the claim?
So you order another stock and scope, and when they arrive, you promptly sell those items?
Then the UPS driver shows up and demands your rifle? Why? And the driver took it without it being boxed up?
I don't know who the scammer is, but I don't believe for a minute that the UPS driver took the rifle.

[tonyxcom]

Post pictures of the damaged items.

[tonyxcom]

There are only two possibilities here.

1. Brother is lying.
2. OP is lying.

[Zamble]

I have had to do charge backs before. But I made every attempt to send the merchandise back to the vendor. And my bank now, also has a policy to return the damaged item, even if they refuse to respond to my emails and calls, I still try.

[iluvmycolt]

Something fishy going on around here...

[JackRydden224]

Do you ever order ammo online? Heavy packages marked "ORM-D" are a dead giveaway that someone owns firearms. I'm sure my UPS guy knows I own guns.

Actually ORM-D refers to hazardous material which can be many things besides ammunition. Chemicals also belong in that category. You are also assuming that the UPS guy pays attention so every little detail for every customer which I'm sure they don't.

This story just smells like BS, full of BS. Too many things that don't make sense.

[Fryall4]

Whoa man....

It's an illegal transfer with a twist of theft.

If there's no history of drug abuse/ gambling/ etc. from your brother, definitely make sure he isn't screwing with you as others suggested.

Talk to hometown law enforcement first thing in the morning, and see what your options are. You don't want to be charged. It's all gonna start there. UPS isn't gonna help at all, and I highly doubt the driver/ boss would admit to anything. There is where it's going to be difficult.

If they say they have no idea what you are talking about... your weapon is gone. The burden of proof lies with you at this point, to prove an actual UPS employee took possession of the weapon. Unless they admit they have the rifle, it's your brother's word against theirs. If they know or subsequently find out that what transpired is illegal, I fear it's all going to rest with the detectives that get assigned to your gun theft case.

Hang in there man, and keep us up on the details. I'm sure more advice and brother bashing is up on deck-

[Whatisthis?]

Yeah. I honestly don't think the ups guy was at your house today. It's either a joke or your brother is the biggest dumbass ever, with a high probability of both. Also, get a real safe.

If he indeed handed the rifle over to the ups guy, knowing which guy he handed it over to would be your best bet of ever seeing it again.

Oh, and when you return, I would check things out and see if your brother has something new laying around or has some extra cash. Based on your judgement that a cable lock through the rifle makes it secure, I wouldn't rule out a misjudgment of your brothers character and/or abilities. You don't have to like what I said, but without knowing the real situation back at your place in Cali, these are some thoughts that ran through me head.

Hopefully it all works out and your brother was being a dumbass and was just joking.

[CBR_rider]

UPS vehicles may have GPS tracking on them... something which could confirm/disprove your brother's story. Sounds extremely fishy, though it is remotely possible. Never underestimate the stupidity of people (whether it is your brother, a UPS driver, or both).

Fun story as an example: One day a few years back a fleet mechanic decided to steal a department issued AR15 locked in a patrol vehicle. Security cameras around maintenance captured him removing the AR and putting it in his car. AR was found at his house after they gave him one chance to 'fess up; he wore a nice jumpsuit for many years afterwards.

[r31ncarnat3d]

First of all, how did both the stock and the scope arrive damaged? I've seen some crappy packaging jobs and I've seen some inexcusable shipping damages, but a scope should be well packaged in a box, and packaged in another box.
So you called the shipper about the damage. They should have initiated a claim, and the UPS driver should have returned with a Damage Call Tag to pick up the damaged items for inspection. I don't see how UPS would deny a claim without picking up the alleged damaged goods. It sounds like you denied receipt of the package, UPS said they knew it was delivered, and denied the claim.
Anyway, you do a chargeback on the credit card against the vendor. How would UPS know this, and why would they care if they've already denied the claim?
So you order another stock and scope, and when they arrive, you promptly sell those items?
Then the UPS driver shows up and demands your rifle? Why? And the driver took it without it being boxed up?
I don't know who the scammer is, but I don't believe for a minute that the UPS driver took the rifle.

It looked like the packaging box had been stomped on. Big dent on the box that somehow damaged both the stock and the scope. It was the stock that confused me more because it had aluminum in it.

As to why UPS denied, I don't know, but a quick Google search shows I'm not the only one this has happened to. Just because something should have happened doesn't mean it did.

As for selling, I sold it (and was selling the rifle) because I planned on making an accurized rifle for long distance but instead decided to use the money to travel. You can see my R700 has been for sale long before this incident as well as the majority of my gun collection + ammo.

As for everything else, I'm relaying everything I was told and know.

Post pictures of the damaged items.

There are only two possibilities here.

1. Brother is lying.
2. OP is lying.

I came on here asking for help. I don't know why anyone would try to lie about something like this, but I'm not going to waste time trying to prove myself.

I have had to do charge backs before. But I made every attempt to send the merchandise back to the vendor. And my bank now, also has a policy to return the damaged item, even if they refuse to respond to my emails and calls, I still try.

Yea, I'm realizing now I was a bit stupid for tossing the broken merchandise too. I never thought of returning it since the CC approved the chargeback and didn't ask for it. Learning experience though - I'll def do that from now on. Again, shortsightedness and immaturity on my part here.

Yeah. I honestly don't think the ups guy was at your house today. It's either a joke or your brother is the biggest dumbass ever, with a high probability of both. Also, get a real safe.

If he indeed handed the rifle over to the ups guy, knowing which guy he handed it over to would be your best bet of ever seeing it again.

Oh, and when you return, I would check things out and see if your brother has something new laying around or has some extra cash. Based on your judgement that a cable lock through the rifle makes it secure, I wouldn't rule out a misjudgment of your brothers character and/or abilities. You don't have to like what I said, but without knowing the real situation back at your place in Cali, these are some thoughts that ran through me head.

Hopefully it all works out and your brother was being a dumbass and was just joking.

I already know which one since we really only have one driver. Honestly while I'd like to see my rifle again, I'm more worried with the legal implications of this. I'd like to make sure I'm not on the hook for assault/murder if my rifle is ever used in a crime first. This is my biggest priority right now as there's a weapon out there tied to my name. I'll worry about the monetary loss later.

And I don't think I worded it clearly but I did have a safe as well as individual locks for all my guns. I'll def keep my eyes out for any weird purchases my brother has though. It would make life a lot easier if I was physically back in Cali right now to handle this personally.

UPS vehicles may have GPS tracking on them... something which could confirm/disprove your brother's story. Sounds extremely fishy, though it is remotely possible. Never underestimate the stupidity of people (whether it is your brother, a UPS driver, or both).

Fun story as an example: One day a few years back a fleet mechanic decided to steal a department issued AR15 locked in a patrol vehicle. Security cameras around maintenance captured him removing the AR and putting it in his car. AR was found at his house after they gave him one chance to 'fess up; he wore a nice jumpsuit for many years afterwards.

Many thanks to you too. I didn't know UPS was GPS equipped. This should make it very easy to get to the bottom of this.

[johnny1290]

There's a UPS hub near my house. Some of the drivers would by appearance and mannerisms appear to be very streetwise. Might be saints, but their *appearance* is questionable.

That said, I sure hope this is a joke, because that story is ridic.

[Safety1st]

Sorry bud, somethings not right. Could your brother have a substance abuse problem you don't know about? Might want to check if everything in your house is accounted for: electronics, money, checks missing from checkbook, etc.

[tozan]

Interesting dilemma...

If that gun is used in a crime, you would be in trouble and you might be may be anyway.

You, your brother and the ups driver could all be charged for illegally transferring a firearm. This is a very serious situation. I don't know but if illegal transfer is a felony you might lose your right to own firearms too.

You might want to hire an attorney before calling police or anyone else.

[toby]

troll

[indetrucks]

This is a joke right.
To the UPS guy are you Effin kidding me. Get the F out of my face before i call the cops.

This was my thought at first as well.
I don't even believe this thread. It makes no sense...

Your brother must ride the short bus or wears a helmet 24/7. Because handing over a firearm to the guy who drives the brown delivery truck is bonkers.