What is the best way to purchase a modular bumper from someone on this forum without being ripped off?

Use PayPal.

I used paypal when I purchased something from someone on this site. It probably protects you as a buyer more than them as the seller.

In-person with a certified check or money order is definitely the best way to protect both you and the seller. You see the actual product they are selling, and he doesn't have to worry about a check bouncing.

Outside of that... use PayPal or Venmo. When you go through the purchase mark the transaction as a "Goods and Services" or a "Purchase" transaction and not a transaction between friends. For a fee they'll offer some basic level of buyer (and seller) protection if you mark it as a purchase. (Just make sure you read the fine print.)

Pay 1/2 in advance. That way, you're both at equal risk.
Check the seller's posting history and see if you can get a feel for his legitimacy. Few posts, short history, would make him suspect.

@Wilsonj83

PSUTE

@Wilsonj83

I can find no member by the name Wilsonj83 on this forum. Buyer be aware!!

The Bronc

I can find no member by the name Wilsonj83 on this forum. Buyer be aware.

Or on the other forum. See my post, above.
(I just learned he's the son of a Nigerian prince, is studying economics at East South Central Podunk Community College, upgraded his Bronco and wants to sell the old one.)

Correct, we don't have a user by that name here. To be fair, a lot of people THINK they're a part of "The Bronco Nation," but they're in the other Bronco Nation facebook group, or something else. It could be an honest mistake there, but please be careful when sending money. In-person, PayPal and options that let you easily dispute are your best bet.

Wait until he parks and goes into a store, then its just six bolts.

Kidding, kidding. PayPal will certainly help, and if they decline PayPal, they're definitely a scammer. I have vetted scammers who have sent photos from Craigslist or eBay of other people's items, sent me photos of fake IDs, created fake bank accounts in the name of the fake ID, and looked otherwise legit. They were even willing to "meet in person" as long as I put a deposit down. Some of these are career scammers, and law enforcement is well aware of them but can rarely do anything to stop it.

The best option is to buy it from an OE parts retailer online. The extra money is usually worth peace of mind - and also gets you a parts warranty. If you can't do that, I'd insist on doing the transaction in person, with no cash up front. If you can't do it in person, ask to FaceTime them while they're with the item so you can talk to them and check it out... reading someone is a lot easier when you can see them too. Anything that involves shipping, you're going to want to use PayPal with a credit card, then you have two ways to dispute it if it turns out to be a fraud - PayPal, and your credit card company.

I've done business with legit people online who have a reputation in the community. There are lots of good people out there. Some rando posting a part you're looking for is just someone waving a carrot though and you should be weary.

Good luck.

PayPal has been very reliable. I had an experience with buying something from a facebook post and had to get a refund. It wasn't difficult to get my money back. There are a lot of stories out there about scammers. Hope You find one you can buy safely!

I prefer Venmo, but to each his/her own and their comfort level. They may have price/cost limit restrictions, but you’ll have to look into that before suggesting such a transaction. Good luck!

I'm sure I've been ripped off once or twice... but I can't remember when. However, the lessons are with me. For me, there are a number of factors that must check out for ANY transaction--online or at the supermarket. The greater the value of the transaction, the more rigorous the checks.

1. Instinct. If it looks or feels shady at any point, disengage, turn back, abort. No harm, no foul.

2. Background. What do/can I know about this buyer/seller? Is she known in the community? Reputation? Employment? Family? Location? Lifestyle? Chance of flight? I'm not necessarily drilling the person directly, and that brings us to 3...

3. Communication. Phone conversations. Video calls. Video calls with the item in box. Generally, the amount of communication is in proportion to the value of the transaction. If the person has no time for a friendly and investigative conversation... see item number 1.

4. Terms. Based on the above risk assessment steps, we develop terms. That could mean sending the money first. Travelling across state lines for a personal meeting. Paying a portion up front. Escrow. It really depends.

If everything makes sense and feels positive... go for it. That's not a promise that it's going to work out, but what can you do, right?

Also!! Be ready to take the L (loss) or fight. Every transaction has the potential of going south. (Verizon tried to do me dirty just yesterday!!) Have a mechanism for coping with that reality. If the L would present a major impact to your situation (financial, timewise, mental, etc.), then you may want to abandon the transaction or take additional steps to ensure its success.

There are financial institutions that can help you recover loses. But that may be a real process--phone calls and 'please listen to the entire message before making a selection as our options have changed', and potentially days or weeks to get your money back.

Some folks are built for all that stuff. I'm not. I got stuff to do. So, I avoid transactions that might seriously impact my situation. And if something goes sidewise, I know me, I'm probably going to take the lesson, and keep moving--that's why I do ALL of my checking BEFORE MONEY/PRODUCT CHANGE HAND.

Good luck!

Stick in the Mud

The best option is to buy it from an OE parts retailer online. The extra money is usually worth peace of mind - and also gets you a parts warranty.

This.
Say the bumper is in great condition. If the price is really low, it could be a 'too good to be true' condition. If the price is reasonable... how much is it saving you from getting it from Ford, and is it worth it?

I sold a modular bumper recently. I would only sell locally, and purchaser drove a couple hours to my location. Cash in hand, easy peasy. We were both protected with that type of exchange.

Take your 45

As a gun owner, I say: if you feel you need to bring a 45 (etc.) to buy a bumper... don't buy that bumper. Find another one.

BostonBadlands

Pay 1/2 in advance. That way, you're both at equal risk.
Check the seller's posting history and see if you can get a feel for his legitimacy. Few posts, short history, would make him suspect.

This is uniquely terrible advice. A scammer will simply keep the money and run.

BaBump

don’t take the bait. don’t take the bait.

Thank you.

Let's please keep this on topic. There is a lot of great information in this thread so let's keep it going with relevant info.🙂

I've been asked to clean up this thread to keep it on track. Thanks, Dean, for already making that effort.