Possible GPAL Security Breach?

[tele_mark]

Too bad the same fate couldn't befall Paypal. That would be fun to watch.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Quite the opposite, I'd say.

Yup, the point I was trying to make (check the context of what you quoted) was that some seem to be apologists for Gpal. Just because they are pro-gun doesn't get them any sympathy from me . . . nothing offsets fraud in my mind.

 

[TheRoland]

Yup, the point I was trying to make (check the context of what you quoted) was that some seem to be apologists for Gpal. Just because they are pro-gun doesn't get them any sympathy from me . . . nothing offsets fraud in my mind.

I think you made the point well, and I totally agree with you. If that's the scenario (and I don't know), it was totally foreseeable and preventable, not to mention how they've handled it post-seizure.

 

[dcmdon]

Some light reading.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409771&page=5

This is a great one: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=349385
Remember the owner of Calguns.net is affiliated with Gpal.

 

[maee]

Other customers have experienced significant delays, and we are truly sorry for that. -GPalVP

From the Calguns.net link you posted. Well, he never explained why, and then he locked the thread. Are we supposed to believe it is all just a minor computer software bug in the ACH transfers, or that the money is gone? If it was just a software issue, I assume they would simply say so and work on it.

and then, when another guy says he hasn't gotten his money yet, the GPal VP responds:

We are very sorry and appreciate your business! We have been working through some problems since May-June, and have almost resolved all issues. Our system is still backed up and we need to hire additional staff to fix this, and we are!

Why? Why has it been 4-5 months and you still can't make a wire transfer? They never say.

 

[Reptile]

Related note:

I bet that a brand new company with a responsible leader and some startup money can create a new "gun pal" type company. There is a huge demand for this service. Maybe an entrepreneur can start this sort of thing from scratch and do a favor for the "gun culture".

 

[dcmdon]

These guys do MC/Visa merchant accounts for $8/month.
Its cheap enough for hobby sellers to use. I wish they'd do something for occasional sellers.

They've been around for years.

Don

http://www.merchantinc.com/

 

[maee]

Related note:

I bet that a brand new company with a responsible leader and some startup money can create a new "gun pal" type company. There is a huge demand for this service. Maybe an entrepreneur can start this sort of thing from scratch and do a favor for the "gun culture".

Actually, I found about 15 different PayPal competitors doing a Google search. I bet most of them allow for any legal transactions. Why the need for GPal at all??


http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f12/gpal-deeeeeeep-doodoo-32122/

Also, I checked, and GPal, Inc. is listed as an active corporation on CA's Secretary of State website. The founder/owner is listed as Ben Cannon, who also has a valid FCC ham radio license at the same address. The theory was that he was not incorporated, and a bank seized some of GPal's assets because of a lien on Ben Cannon. But that can't be possible because he actually is incorporated.

 

[dcmdon]

does anyone know anything about google payments.

I've been told google is currently suing paypal/ebay for anti-trust reasons to allow them onto ebay. Not sure if its true.
Haven't reviewed Google's terms of service.

Don

 

[SemiAutoSam]

I spotted this at Bumpfire.net.
http://www.bumpfire.net/forums/showpost.php?p=75388&postcount=50924

http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/2010/09/25/gpal-formerly-gunpal-your-comments/

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/101202.aspx
Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3)
Scam Alerts
This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing cyber scams.

Payment Processor Possibly Conducting a Ponzi Scheme
Since January 2010, the IC3 has received hundreds of complaints regarding a website that victims reportedly used to transfer money for the sales of firearms; however, the website has not allowed them to withdraw the funds after their merchandise was sold.

The website claims to be a payment processor to be used as an alternative to other familiar online payment transfer services and was created to allow for the purchase of items that others of its kind do not allow (e.g., firearms). The website encourages consumers to use their services by advertising that they send money to consumers or anyone with an email address, an individual can easily pay for anything using the web, and sign-up is free, quick, and easy.

The website appears to have been set up as a legitimate business but shortly after operations began, customers started experiencing funding delays. Ultimately, customers who received funds only received partial payments, and those payments were delayed by months.

Additional research indicates that the money submitted for transfer may have been fraudulently misappropriated. This scam appears to have become a Ponzi scheme with previous customers being paid by funds from new customers.

Found this at the same link as above.

 

[SemiAutoSam]

GUNPAL AKA GPAL Lawsuit info.

A company that GPAL / Ben Cannon allegedly owes about 21K to is sueing him, I use the term allegedly as I don’t have any proof that he owes anyone anything just covering my tush, IMO the guy is a major scum if any of what is said about him is true. .

I’m sure there are many more that he has ripped off
In the process of getting more concrete info on this case.

Court website.
http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil

http://www.sf-firearms.com/

SF Firearms v. GPal/Ben Cannon : Judge Broderick in Department 19 of the Sonoma County Superior Court on May 17, 2011 at 8:30

Come one, come all, and meet BC in person. I am sure he will be able to hand out refunds.

Enjoy...