Since this concerns the pruchase of a Browning BPCR I thought it was appropriate to post the following here.
Heres an example of how GunBrokers Fraud Insurance works or does not work. You may remember I reported earlier that on two occasions I was defrauded on firearms purchased on GunBroker. Following is my correspondence with GunBroker on one of these. Pay close attention to the dates and their definitions. They apologized for the lengthy delay. I cant imagine why, it was only 10 months, and obviously would never have responded had I not threatened them some. Based on their last comments and their definition of a used firearm, I have to assume that if Id received a piece of a Browning 1885 the fraud insurance would not apply. And concerning their final comment, even if I wanted to return the item to GunBroker they never gave me the opportunity. Obviously I would never have sent them a $1500 rifle to settle a maximum $400 claim. Its therefore obvious to me that GunBroker is only concerned with supporting the sellers, who pay the fees. With this company the term Caveat Emptor or Buyer Beware certainly applies. The bottom line is if you buy a firearm over GunBroker and the seller intends to defraud you, you have no recourse, especially if the seller and buyer reside in different states.
By the way, following GunBroker's final response to me they closed the issue and have not allowed me to respond.
Wayne
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From Wayne to GunBroker 4/5/2005 1:52:39 PM
After filing a fraud claim on the listed item number I received an email from you on 12/7/04. Per your directions, on 12/22/04, I mailed the required supporting proof of payment and supporting/backup documentation to:
GB Holding, Inc, PO Box 19317, Atlanta, GA 31126.
The cover letter with the documents clearly stated the item number as you requested for a reference. Included was a copy of the cashier check and all correspondence between myself and the seller. I also included my home mail address for GB Holding to respond.
SINCE THEN I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING, NEITHER MAIL OR EMAIL. PLEASE PROVIDE AN UPDATE ASAP. THANKS.
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From Wayne to GunBroker 4/16/2005 10:12:21 PM
I'm still waiting for a response to my message to you dated 4/5/2005 1:52:39 PM. PLEASE RESPOND.
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NOW 10 MONTHS LATER
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From Wayne to GunBroker 2/10/2006 4:28:13 AM
Having never received a response from you or GB Holdings I continue, at every opportunity, to post on several gun internet forums that your fraud insurance does not exist, and is a fraud in itself. Also, as a benefactor member of the NRA I am filling a complaint with the NRA to stop any references to GunBroker as a reputable company.
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From GBSupport1012 2/14/2006 1:25:23 PM
The GunBroker.com fraud insurance program specifically does not cover differences in opinion over the condition of the item. Please see
http://www.gunbroker.com/User/FraudClaimProcess.asp for more information.
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From Wayne to GunBroker 2/14/2006 6:53:12 PM
Your fraud page says, "You must have sent payment to the seller in good faith and either not received the item or received an item that is materially different from the seller's description.
In this case the bore was heavy corroded in front of the chamber. The seller described the item as being in excellent condition with a bright bore. I believe that constitutes an item that is "materially different from the Seller's description.
And why didn't I ever receive an earlier response from you or the fraud insurance company?
As I state earlier, as far as I am concerned your fraud insurance is a fraud in itself, and I will continue to make my opinion know to the NRA and the many members of the firearm forums I frequent.
Your earlier no response and refusal to accept responsibility are quite enlightening.
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From GBSupport1012 2/15/2006 8:47:07 AM
We apologize for the lengthy delay in responding to your issue. We have recently assigned new personnel to audit the fraud claims and are going through old cases one by one. Please understand the following definitions. Materially Different means you purchased a Glock and received a Walther or received a model different than the one that you purchased. Misrepresented means that the item was sold as New in Box and was in fact well used or is a fake. Your claim is a difference in opinion over the condition of the item. He says "Bore Bright", you say "Pitted". There is no way to mediate such disputes and as such they are specifically excluded from the fraud program. You purchased a used Browning 1885 and you received a used Browning 1885. Additionally, in the event that this could have been deemed misrepresentation you would have been required to return the item to us in order to collect the maximum payment of $400.
