chuckyyyyy said:
Just curious if there are any threads or ways that one can spot a scam/rip off artist?
I know there are alot of honesty sp but for newbies how can you tell if you are being scammed/ripped off?
It partially depends upon what you define as being scammed? You read about various types of disappointing experiences which can all be considered scams if something promised wasn't delivered, but it varies by level:
- paying for a service and simply not getting anything.
- negotiating FS but upon arrive being informed it is just a dance.
- negotiating to see one specific SP displayed in an ad and finding someone else is there to provide the service.
- negotiating time duration or MSoG and that being honoured.
- mispresentation in the ad about the experience.
- negotiating a specific interest and then providing basic service.
These are all examples of some type of misrepresentation and depending upon a number factors are in fact a scam. How you find out in advance somewhat depends upon the type of scam.
For example if you can read a review here then the odds are pretty good that if you cite the review in the negotiation that things will turn out as planned. If you cannot find a reference point then it is a lot trickier. If someone or agency is out to cheat their clientelle then there isn't a lot that can be done except to suffer through it and report it back here. But from my experience over the years there are a few practices I have used and while things always haven't been perfect they are certainly much better in the last five or so years. Please note these all assume that you cannot get a TERB review.
1. Pure cold calls are a serious risk. If you just found the SPs name and call up who knows what you're getting into. I have found it makes sense to wait a while, at least a couple of weeks, preferably longer, to see that the SP remains in the game and is not here and gone, (also reduces the possibility the LE is involved).
2. Most of the quality SPs do not need to chase after every caller. Someone who is seriously pushy about setting up something may have a different agenda.
3. If it sounds to good to be true it probably is. Most quality SPs are honest about what they are about and if everything and anything you want to do is okay then they are probably not.
4. With respect to the 'right person' make it clear who you are looking for. Many of the SPs share locations with one or more other SPs and some honour a system where if you call asking for a name then that denotes only one person, others operate on the basis that it is who ever answers the phone first. A good SP in a group location will indicate that she is not the person you asked for and you can go from there.
5. Do your research. If your source is Now or the RZ etc. see if there are similar ads or numbers. Many of the more quesitonable SPs will provide a dozen different descriptions of themselves depending on the context of the ad.
6. Use this site. Members here can confirm past experiences and set you straight if you have any questions.
7. Most importantly, go with your instincts. If it doesn't sound right or you have concerns then politely cancel, you will have survived to try again another day.
T.
