International House Of Music - Trustworthy Seller or Scammer

[TromboneLAB]

I have attempted to purchase a mouthpiece from International House Of Music on Facebook. After sending them my payment, they asked weird questions about payment confirmation and took over 24 hours to send pics of the mouthpiece.

Then stated an issue with shipping requiring another $70, fully refundable, deposit to cover fees from the shipper. Seller will not provide details on how they are trying to ship. They claim the fee is normal. They also claim they’re in LA. I am in OKLAHOMA so shipping should be domestic and simple.

Too much about this transaction seems fishy…

Has anyone dealt with this seller? Am I being scammed?

They requested friends and family payment on PayPal and many do so I obliged. Things started to feel off after payment was sent. There are multiple businesses on Facebook with the same store name. Makes me wonder if they’re a scammer copying a legit store in Los Angeles.

What does everyone think?

[TomWest]

Yeah, it sure looks like you got took. You paid for a mouthpiece then the seller wants $70 for shipping? For something that should ship USPS for a LOT less money. Let us know if your mouthpiece ever arrives.

[JohnL]

Have you tried contacting the brick and mortar store in Los Angeles and asking if the Facebook account you did business with is associated with them?

[TromboneLAB]

Yes. I am thinking I’ll do that now. Sucks to get taken advantage of. Sometimes it’s just hard to trust people online.

It also makes me appreciate those that ARE honest. Today I bought some mouthpieces from cctbone on this forum and he was excellent, trustworthy, and already shipped my order!

Thanks cctbone and to everyone of you who are trustworthy…

And be careful with IHOM. For reference there are two Facebook pages for International House Of Music. Only difference is that one has the O in OF capitalized. That is the one that scammed me. The other may be legit to the actual brick and mortar store.