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oilmodeltrains.com a scam selling site?

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  • Member since
    March 2022
  • 8 posts
oilmodeltrains.com a scam selling site?
Posted by GaDave on Monday, May 29, 2023 2:34 AM

Hi All. Just ran across oilmodeltrains.com that was selling model train stuff at exceptionally low prices. A Google search resulted in no negative reviews, but there was no Better Business Bureau review either. Any experience with this site or thoughts about buying there? Thanks  

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: US
  • 58 posts
Posted by Hillyard on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:31 AM

"free shipping"

Combined with:

"New Athearn HO GP18 with DCC & Sound, SCL #1061 

$319.99 $66.00"
 
 
How could anyone think this is legit?

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:36 AM

GaDave
Hi All. Just ran across oilmodeltrains.com

Just curious as to where you ran across the ad?

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Culpeper, Va
  • 8,204 posts
Posted by IRONROOSTER on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:51 AM

The site uses the logo from modeltrainstuff.com.  That raises a red flag for me.

Paul

If you're having fun, you're doing it the right way.
  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 10:54 AM

Went to the site, and noticed at the top the logo for modeltrainstuff.  I've got to believe they just used the logo.

This is actually kind of funny.  At the bottom of site's page, when you click on 'about us', this comes up:

 

Model Trains Sales 2022 makes “Sunday comfort” part of your every day. Here, comfy is found in softer, stronger fabrics made into versatile layers to work for you – wherever life takes you. Comfy is a just-right fit that makes you feel great with the way you look. Comfy is in every winter coat, pair of boots or turtleneck, keeping you warm and dry in the worst of the elements. Comfy is UPF 50 protection that keeps you safe from the sun’s harmful rays and planning more beach days. Comfy exists at Model Trains Sales 2022 for everyone, everywhere and with every wear.

 

York1 John       

  • Member since
    October 2005
  • From: Detroit, Michigan
  • 2,284 posts
Posted by Soo Line fan on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 5:50 PM

The first clue this is a scammer site is my AV opens and says "Threat Secured" Never a good thing.

Misspelled words, poor verbiage, check. Give away prices, what could go wrong?

Jim

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 6:20 PM

Oilmodeltrains.com Can you think of a dumber name for a company that sells anything but tank cars.

However it is good you asked.  Everyone of us have been fooled by something or someone. 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    July 2020
  • 50 posts
Posted by chris.mincemoyer on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 7:28 PM

Business address is also on the campus of Northern Arizona University.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 5:50 AM

This is likely a repeating scam that comes up every few years.  The way it usually works is that you pay your money, and a few weeks later are sent something like a trash push or battery toy train.  If you contact "customer service" you may even be told 'we shipped the wrong item - just send it back' ... and then you'll be hearing crickets.  If you dispute the charge as the fraud that it is, they can point out that they did, in fact 'mail' you a 'toy train', and this can stretch legal retribution out past the time the profits have been safely mulcted away.

The timing of these scams is usually towards the fall, intended to profit off the Christmas season, so I wouldn't have expected it running before August or September... but there it is.

Oh, and expect your contact and credit information to be peddled, perhaps relentlessly, on the list of marks who bit this time around.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 7:33 AM

It is getting harder and harder to tell the scams. Was looking for something I was considering at Wallmart and ran across a scam Wallmart site compleat with logo but the price was too good to be true and the address was just wrong.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 8:18 AM

A May 5th Facebook post by Modeltrainstuff:

 
 
To Our Customers,
We are aware of the fake operator that has stolen our logo and has employed it to promote their fraud.
We are working continually to combat and resolve this.
We want to warn buyers to be careful online.
Please check when shopping that you are on Our Website.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 8:31 AM

Which is why I VERY rarely buy anything on-line.  Usually if and when I do it's parts and then only from an established dealer who's name I recognize.  

I'm old-school, before I buy something expensive I want to see it up-close-and-personal.  That and I remember the old rule about "If it's too good to be true it probably isn't!"

  • Member since
    July 2020
  • 50 posts
Posted by chris.mincemoyer on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 4:14 PM

Wish the original poster would say how they found that website.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 9:29 PM

In the Contact Us area is the phone number: 582151026, which is only nine digits.

  • Member since
    April 2021
  • From: saskabush
  • 127 posts
Posted by wvgca on Thursday, June 1, 2023 7:38 AM

to find out for sure [for yourself at least], buy something from there, and give them a valid credit card number, you should know one way or the other in a few weeks ??

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