is this a scam?

T

TaterPeeler

Joined
Oct 19, 2010
Messages
8
So... A few days ago I purchased two Maxpedition water bottle holders through Ebay. I used the “Buy It Now” option and paid instantly via Paypal. Today I received the following Email from Ebay@OpticsPlanet.com...

Greetings from OpticsPlanet.com!

Thank you for ordering:
===================================================================
Maxpedition 10" X 4" Water Bottle Holder Pouch : 0325G $37.99
===================================================================
We apologize, but your order has been temporarily placed on HOLD.

Please do not be alarmed by this message since this is a standard request for additional information. During the routine Restricted Party Screening, required to comply with U.S. Government laws and regulations, some information on your order produced a potential match to an entry on some U.S. Government List(s). Unfortunately, this happens quite regularly since many common names often trigger these possible "hits" against the Lists.

Please note that all of these Lists are maintained by U.S. Government and are publicly available. For example, you can view some of them by following the links provided below:

http://www.bis.doc.gov/dpl/default.shtm
http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn/
http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/compliance/debar.html

In order to comply with all U.S. Government laws and regulations we must verify that each potential match is not in fact a true match. In order to do that we ask that you provide us a copy of an official government issued photo ID including your Date of Birth. Typically, we are able to verify the legitimacy of the match within 1 day after we receive a copy of your ID.

To help us expedite the processing of your order and comply with all U.S. Government laws and regulations, please provide this information by either faxing it to (847) 919-9401 or emailing it to RM@OpticsPlanet.com. Your order will remain on HOLD until we receive the information mentioned above.

If you paid by credit card, it HAS NOT been charged at this time. We will not charge your credit card until we are ready to ship the order. Please note that if we do not hear back from you within the next 7 days, we will assume that you are no longer interested in this order and will be forced to cancel it.

Again, we apologize for the inconvenience associated with this request and thank you for your patience and understanding!

Best Regards,
OpticsPlanet.com Risk Management Team

U.S. Government laws and regulations are complex. Any summaries of such laws and regulations provided by OpticsPlanet, Inc. herein are not comprehensive and are not to be taken as legal advice or counseling.


What do you guys think?
 
I've never seen that before :confused: I just received a 10 x 4 from Lapolicegear with no issues.

I hope this gets resolved soon.
 
Thats really strange. I looked on OpticsPlanet.com and they list a different fax number. This is what they have listed:

Toll-Free: 800.504.5897
Intl.: 847.513.6201
Fax: 847.919.3003
sales@opticsplanet.com

I'd call their 800 number and talk to someone about it before sending any information.
 
I wouldn't give them a BIT of info. Sounds like BS to me, I've gotten emails like this from people on eBay trying to scam me.
 
Or forward it to Ebay and ask them what the deal is. That's strange. I have bought over 200 items on Ebay and never seen that.
 
I would definitely follow wildmanh's advice & call Optics Planet as soon as possible. This might be legit, maybe not. I have a friend who has to be sure and give his entire name w/ middle initial everytime on things like this. Seems there is someone who has his exact name that is on a bunch of lists for credit fraud, outstanding bounced checks, etc. I think the only list he hasn't made in the No-Fly that the government uses. I'd call or email Optics Planet when you can, I also have bought from them several times & never a problem either. Have a great holiday.
Be safe.
 
Contact Optics Planet and report it to eBay as possible phishing. They will clear it up.
 
I don't know if it's a scam. The email addy does belong to them. If it's not a scam though, it's stupid enough that I'd tell 'em to shove the order on principle.
 
I called the 800 number. Offices are closed. Probably will be until monday. This just smells wrong. I'm concerned that whoever sent this email has my account info already. Otherwise, how would they know what I bought and who I bought it from?
 
I'd back out of that as quickly as possible. It may be legit, but you shouldn't have to jump through hoops of fire for a couple of water bottle pouches, geez.
 
Resubmitting my order to TwoWolves.

Government lists my foot. Legit or not I'm not faxing my DL anywhere to buy a couple of water bottle holders.

Guess my “How To” thread on converting Maxpedition water bottle holders into ICBM's will have to wait.

:p
 
Might want to take a look at this thread on the hide, I recognized the fax number from somehwere ;)

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1781548

Its a legit email and fax number, give them a call on Monday when they are open and talk with them and it should be fixed without having to send any info in.

Also:
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=783156

The fact that its a pouch is a bit surprising that it tripped that email, but not shocking as there is a great deal of gear that is restricted. I doubt your going to need to send anything in, but you will need to make contact with them.

For the people not wanting to click on the links, its not a scam and its a legit fax number which goes to a separate fax machine at opticsplanet.
 
Read the threads it seems like a practice used to buy them time as they keep nothing in stock.


Paul
 
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