Asking for ID from seller - is this normal?

First of all, asking for an id, just like someone said already, it would actually press the seller, and he might turn a little...afraid maybe. I guess you better ask for his phone number mail, or maybe even his adress. So you could contact him in cases something is wrong. Or also a pic of the item you buying is also a good idea.
 
The number of Posts a person has might be interesting to review regarding what they might type out from time to time, or what opinions they might express, but their Feedback Score, to me, is at least as important, if not more so - requires other members to have interacted and been satisfied (or not) with the experience. Always a first time to send $1,000 to somebody - I am currently waiting since May 2020 for a $50 Internet purchase from a sponsoring company on this board, so no absolute "guarantees"...
 
It's weird but it depends what you are purchasing. However, there is nothing wrong if you really do not feel comfortable with the seller.
 
I usually ask for a phone number instead of my ID. Since after I give them my number, different spammers often start calling it, which prevents me from absolutely always working and relaxing, which is why I do this. I have had many cases when advertisers and spammers called my number from unknown numbers. And now I usually just find out the seller's number, for example 2152749542 and check it through a service that detects spammer numbers, scam numbers, and so on. It helps me a lot
 
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madcow said:
I ask for their info, and ask them to send me a txt with the transfer info. If you aren't sure, call and have a chat.
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This is good advice.
Give them a call and have a talk for a few minutes get a feel for the person. IMHO if they don't want to talk and won't give you their phone number I would have some concerns.
 
If it feels funny, stop. I always ask for all their info, and phone. and give out the same. Sold a couple this winter and we had a chat on the phone.
I have never email a picture of my PAL, or been asked. A few yrs ago,I had one fellow that did not want to give me a phone number, said it was a business phone?
well so is mine( or use to be) He did give me his wife's # after I refused to send money, and it worked out in the end.
 
With my first rifle purchase through EE, I asked for the seller's full name, location, and phone number. Then I called and spoke to him and also googled his name with the town name. Turned out he'd been active in the local non-profits, according to local media articles. After that I was perfectly comfortable sending him money.

In my career I've been scammed by a person who would have shown up as a CONVICTED scam artist if I'd only Googled his name...Brian Penney in Edmonton if anyone there is reading this. I learned after that! Also Google the email address and phone number; crooks are often lazy and use the same one for a bit until it gets too hot.

When I sold my first gun on the EE (for over $1k) the buyer didn't ask many questions. But I'm honest so it was all good LOL.
 
I asked for (and got) the PAL info off the seller the first time I used the EE. He mentioned it was "unusual" but didn't mind. I was new and overly cautious both of scams and of legal issues... now I've had numerous positive experiences with the EE and have met some great CGNers through deals there.

If you're buying a firearm, you're providing them with your contact info, address and PAL so I don't think asking for similar info is inappropriate. Doesn't hurt to ask anyways.
 
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