Most members are honest. The scammers all use the same handful of plays — learn them once and you will spot them every time.
Top rules
- Keep all communication and payment on the platform
- If a deal feels too good or too fast, slow down
- Never share verification codes, passwords, or wire info
Terms we use on AGT
- Built-in FFL transfer
- Interstate dealer coordination through the in-chat FFLs picker — search, share a card, propose, and agree. This is the required path for out-of-state deals.
- Directory FFL (listed FFL)
- Any licensed dealer from the official ATF directory that you select through the built-in FFL transfer flow. Any directory dealer is allowed — you do not need an AGT Verified account to pick them.
- AGT Verified
- An optional trust badge for dealers with an active American Gun Trader vendor account. Verified shops are recommended first in the picker and can join the 3-way transfer chat after both parties agree. It is not required for a legitimate interstate transfer.
- Unlisted FFL
- A dealer identity shared outside the picker — typed license numbers, pasted shop names, photos of FFL paperwork, or “use my FFL” in plain chat. Prohibited and a common scam pattern. See Terms §3B.
Unlisted FFLs are scams. For interstate deals you must pick a receiving dealer with the FFLs button (built-in FFL transfer) — not by accepting dealer names, license numbers, or FFL photos sent in chat. Typing or pasting FFL info to bypass the picker is prohibited. See Choosing an FFL and our Terms of Service (§3B).
Red flags
- Unlisted FFL info sent in chat. A seller (or buyer) who types a dealer name, pastes a license number, or sends a photo of an FFL license is sharing an unlisted FFL — bypassing built-in FFL transfer. Use the FFLs button and follow Choosing an FFL.
- "Let's talk on WhatsApp / email / text." Off-platform = no protection. On interstate deals, peer phone/email sharing is blocked — Gunny will tell both of you in the thread. Use the FFLs button instead.
- "I'll pay by Zelle / wire / gift card." These payment methods are scammer favorites because they are irreversible.
- Overpayment "by mistake." They send you more than the price and ask you to refund the difference. The original payment is fake or stolen; you lose the refund.
- Pressure to act fast. "Need to close today." "Other buyer waiting." Legit buyers are patient.
- Brand new account, no profile, no history. Be careful — but not paranoid. New members are also legitimate.
- Asking for your verification code or password. Nobody from American Gun Trader will ever ask for these.
- Stock photos. Reverse-image-search any photo that looks too polished.
As a seller
- Don't ship before payment clears.
- Use tracked shipping with signature required.
- For firearms: verify the buyer's receiving FFL is real (look them up on ATF's FFL eZ Check).
- Keep all communication in the platform message thread.
As a buyer
- Pay through traceable, reversible methods when possible.
- Ask for additional photos with a piece of paper showing today's date — confirms the item is real and current.
- Confirm the seller is an AGT Verified dealer (if buying from a dealer account) or check their feedback history.
- For high-value items, consider an escrow service.
If you think you are being scammed
Stop the conversation. Report the user. If money has changed hands, contact your bank or card issuer immediately — most have fraud protection if you act fast.
The single biggest scam vector is off-platform payment. If anyone — buyer or seller — pushes you to take payment outside trusted, traceable channels, walk away.
