Beware of "Straw" purchases!

[eldorado]

I was recently approached to do a private party transfer by an individual. The gun was being shipped from his "uncle" from Washington. When the gun arrived it was sent with a Reno NV return address and no info in the box. The packaging stated that it was actually sent from a CA address. The individual filled out the 4473 and indicated that he was in a prohibited category (11g). Asked if I could then transfer to his wife. When I stated that would violate the law, he then stated that the gun actually belonged to his brother. He asked if I could return it to his brother. I cancelled the DROS and am shipping back to the sellers FFL. A second gun arrived today. I have had to absorb the cancelled DROS fee and now return shipping of two firearms. ATF advised to beware when notified. Any dealer wanting more info can contact me off line.
Forensic Studies Group
(916) 764-1045

[TheExpertish]

Well that sucks. I would have charged him. I know the FFL I use stated the fees are my responsibility when it comes to transfers and that they are non-refundable. I'm sure this has already led you to change your policy.

[dirtyJ]

Yeah, he'd definitely get charged. Pay for the DROS, pay for return shipping, pay for your time. Hold the gun until he pays for shipping and DROS at least.

[kemasa]

I would not eat any of the costs. You should not ship the firearms back until you are paid. You basically have a lien on the firearms. You could sell the firearms on consignment as well.

BTW, that is not a PPT. A PPT is where both the buyer and seller go to the same FFL.

[eldorado]

The story was a lot more Convoluted. He wanted to do the PPT with another buyer. It was not until after that transfer was DROS'd did I find he was prohibited. Quite the high drama. As far as the funds, I think it is a small price to be out of that situation. :-)

[tenpercentfirearms]

The story was a lot more Convoluted. He wanted to do the PPT with another buyer. It was not until after that transfer was DROS'd did I find he was prohibited. Quite the high drama. As far as the funds, I think it is a small price to be out of that situation. :-)

Do not let people do this to you. Do not ship anything back until you are reimbursed for DROS, for shipping, and for your time. Failure to do so will cost them a firearm.

You are in control of the situation. You shouldn't lose a dime on this and if you are, you need to fix your policies to protect you from these situations in the future.

There is no need to try and be nice to the prohibited person that just wasted a lot of your time and you can count on not being a future customer.

[CSACANNONEER]

Do not let people do this to you. Do not ship anything back until you are reimbursed for DROS, for shipping, and for your time. Failure to do so will cost them a firearm.

You are in control of the situation. You shouldn't lose a dime on this and if you are, you need to fix your policies to protect you from these situations in the future.

There is no need to try and be nice to the prohibited person that just wasted a lot of your time and you can count on not being a future customer.

As a non FFL holder, I will completely agree. If I cost someone time and money because I'm an idiot and trying to pull one over on them, I expect to pay the cosequences. Wait until you are paid for your time, out of pocket expenses and even STORAGE FEES. Maybe next time, the moron will think twice before trying to get someone involved in illegal activities.