Trust your
instincts
DEAL ONLY WITH LOCAL BUYERS AND SELLERS
NEVER wire funds to a distant buyer,
via Western Union or any other carrier
NEVER give out personal financial
information (eBay account, PayPal account, checking account, social
security number, etc.)
Always remember the most important
rule -- BUYER BEWARE
If you think you have been scammed, contact the non-emergency number
for your local police department -- they may be able to offer advice
about your options.
Types of Scams
1. Distant buyer offers a high-value (but fake) cashier's check
in exchange for your item.
a.) You receive an odd email offering
to buy your item site unseen. cashier's check is offered for your
sale vehicle.
b.) Offer usually comes in at or around asking price.
c.) Value of cashier's check often
exceeds your item- buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer
service to cover "shipping costs" If you send the money
it is GONE.
d.) Banks will
often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE
CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR
Scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate
owing buyer money, etc)
Emails are usually very poorly written, consisting of misspelled words
and incorrect grammar.
Deal often seems too good to be true
2. Distant seller requests payment
via Western Union or Money Gram:
seller often claims that an MTCN or confirmation
code is needed before he can withdraw your money - this is FALSE, once
you've wired money, it is GONE. common countries currently include:
Nigeria, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands - but could
be anywhere.
3. Distant seller offers to send
you a Cashier's Check and then have you wire money:
a.) this is ALWAYS a scam, in our experience
- the cashier's check is FAKE
b.) sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not
c.) scammer often asks for your name, address, etc for printing on
the fake check
d.) Deal often seems too good to be true
4. Distant seller suggests use
of an online escrow service.
a.) most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT,
operated by scammers for more info, do a google search on "fake
escrow" or "escrow fraud"
b.) if you must do business with a distant seller, insist on a legitimate
service, such as www.escrow.com
c.) Deal often seems too good to be true
5. Distant seller asks for a partial
payment up front.after which he will ship goods he says he
trusts you with the partial payment he may say he has already shipped
the goods. Deal often seems too good to be true