Buying guns and ammo online can be convenient, but it comes with its own set of risks, especially when it comes to scams. Scammers are always looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. But fear not! With a few simple steps, you can protect yourself from falling into their traps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to shop safely for firearms and ammunition on the internet and avoid FireArm Scams.
- Stick with Trusted Stores: First things first, when you’re buying guns and ammo online, it’s crucial to stick with stores you know you can trust. Look for places that have been around for a while and have good reviews from other customers. Only trust reviews from known websites like Reddit . If a store has a physical address and clear policies about things like shipping and returns, that’s usually a good sign but you still need to be wary.
- Check for the Right Licenses: Make sure the store you’re buying from has all the proper licenses and follows the rules. In the U.S., for example, they should have what’s called a Federal Firearms License (FFL). You can double-check their credentials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). I would recommend using new browser window with a vpn when accessing the ATF. We use the Brave Browser.
- Use Safe Payment Methods: When it’s time to pay for your purchase, stick with payment methods you know are safe. That means using things like credit cards or trusted payment processors. Watch out for anyone asking you to pay in weird ways, like with wire transfers or cryptocurrency, Zelle, Cashapp or Paypal.
Guntab is a safe firearm escrow service which will do the research for you. (We are not sponsored or supported by Guntab) - Don’t Fall for Crazy Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers love to dangle super cheap prices in front of you to get your attention. But those bargains often turn out to be fake or even dangerous. Do your research and make sure the price you’re seeing is in line with what other sellers are asking.
- Pay Attention to Product Details: Before you hit that “buy” button, take a good look at the product details. Make sure the description matches up with what you’re expecting, and look closely at any pictures the seller has posted. If something seems off or unclear, it might be a sign that you should steer clear.
Many of these scammers are Africian or Indian, English is their second language. Descriptions are often copied and pasted so watch out for some sentences that dont make sense. - Keep Your Communication Safe: When you’re talking to the seller, stick to the messaging system provided by the website. Don’t give out any personal info like your address or credit card number over email or text. Legit sellers won’t ask you to do that. We keep reporting scammers payment systems so they may keep changing payment system until you pay into a working account.
- Do Some Detective Work: Before you make a purchase, do a little digging on the seller. Look for reviews or comments from other buyers to see what their experiences have been like. If lots of people are complaining, that’s probably a sign you should look elsewhere.
- Trust Your Gut: Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. Your safety is the most important thing, so don’t feel pressured to go through with a purchase if you’re feeling unsure. Scammers tend to get annoyed when you ask a lot of questions.
- Ask a lot of questions when buying guns and ammo online!
Shopping online for guns and ammo can be safe and easy as long as you know what to watch out for. By sticking with trusted stores, using safe payment methods, and keeping an eye out for red flags, you can avoid scams and have a worry-free shopping experience. So go ahead, browse for that perfect firearm or ammo, and shop with confidence!
