Buying Guns/Ammo online
- Thread starter Sixgunjohnny
- Start date
I keep a scanned image on my PAL front and back sides on my Blackberry. When I make a purchase online, most stores just ask that you reply to the emailed receipt with your pal info. I just hit reply on my Blackberry, attach the scans of my PAL and hit send....done. Easier than even pulling out my wallet.
I like this idea, I think I will do the same. So for online purchase all they need is your pal info, no added paper work or CFC approvals?
For ammunition, they need your pal info. For non-restricted firearms, they need your PAL info. In both cases, they may choose to use the online tool with the CFC to verify that your PAL is valid and real. For a restricted transfer, they will need your PAL info along with city of birth to begin the transfer, and generally you will need to phone the CFC to complete your side of the transfer. That is the same as if you were purchasing in the store, although in the store, they would do their end of the transfer on the phone and just hand you the phone to give your info to the CFC....then you wait for the transfer to be complete. It takes no longer to do online than it does in person.
With security breaches and fraud run rampant in the online world, I only share the minimally required information with persons whose identity I have verified. I never send anyone a scan of my identification documents, especially my (R)PAL. How often do you see fraudsters using scans of someone else's ID to run scams online? Photoshop in a new picture and print out a copy on one of those id card printers (like at the gym, Costco, etc) and now a crook can illegally buy guns and ammo using your identity. No thank you!
Having a scan for your own use in case you lose or forget your PAL at home is fine, just make sure it is securely saved (password protected phone) and don't send it to anyone. For those that will say, but it's safe if I send a scan to a dealer, ask yourself whether you really think that dealers are new hacked or broken into. You can't avoid all risks in life, but you can certainly minimize them but thinking a bit ahead.
I have not dealt with all the dealers with advertising on CGN so I cannot comment on their reputation although given that we have a pretty connected community, bad apples tend to get exposed and reported pretty fast. I would do as you are now and ask for feedback and once you have enough to satisfy yourself, then go ahead and make a purchase and see for yourself what sort of service is provided by your chosen dealer.
Hope this helps.
You do have some valid points that should be considered.
There is security, and then there is living in fear. The RCMP have a scan of a PAL card on their websites, so if criminals really want an image of one they're pretty easy to get. I secure my information in a reasonable way while still living my life.
