Thread: Feeling sick after reading this !

Originally Posted by No good names left

I sold an air rifle on trade me a while ago, I stated "Pick up only" as I didn't want postage hassles but didn't tick the appropriate box. The winner demanded I send it and he deemed that a webcam photo of him holding his drivers licence was enough proof of age. I wasn't sure as there is no proof that it wasn't a random person and was in the process of checking with the arms officer weather a permit was required. Within 2 days TM was on the phone to me demanding that I complete the trade, they wouldn't listen to reason until I told them that all my calls are recorded and I'll be emailing the police with the recording and a statement that they are pushing FA sales without following procedure. Back then even the AO didn't have a firm answer weather or not a permit was required for an air rifle purchase.

All you need is a legal verification that they are over 18. A police form can be used for that and I have done that in the past. Make sure the DOB is on it and the form if ID that is used (usually NZDL or passport) However a photocopy of their ID, signed by a JP or sworn officer is (or used to be) acceptable too. What you are looking for is proof that they are over 18. The officer or JP signing it is stating that the buyer has proven to them (on your behalf) that they are over 18. The actual piece of paper that is signed must then be posted to you. That way you can see the stamp and signature is real and not a scanned copy. A scan and email is not acceptable as these are easy to alter digitally and impossible for you to verify they are real. If you have further doubts you are still entitled to refuse to complete the transaction and refund the money paid.