Do you plan to shop on craigslist or other online community marketplaces this holiday season? So do the scam artists and identity thieves.
The BBB provides these simple tips to decrease your risk of becoming a victim:
Buyer Beware!
- Beware of hard sell tactics and too good to be true deals.
- Do not give out personal information. No one should need your social security number or other personal details for a transaction.
- Do not buy items from an individual in another country.
- Try to purchase items sold close to home so that they may be inspected before purchase.
- When inspecting items, meet the seller in a public place and take a friend with you. Always carry a cell phone and call 911 if you feel threatened in any way.
- Request written agreement from seller that if item is not as expected, it may be returned for a full refund.
- If an item is being shipped to you, make sure you are very clear about what method of shipment will be used (Post Office, UPS, etc.), who will pay for shipping, when the item will be shipped, and how the item will be insured in the event it is damaged or does not arrive.
- When possible, pay with a reputable third party like PayPal.
- Remember, even a legitimate sale can turn into a scam. Never cash a check or money order and wire the money to a stranger. These transactions are scams.
- Making online purchases from these community marketplace sites is often risky. If you are a victim, report the crime immediately to the police.
Sellers Be Cautious!
- Do not ship items before you have received payment.
- Ensure that a payment has cleared both your bank and the issuing bank before shipping an item (this may take several weeks).
- Remember, even money orders and cashiers checks can be fraudulent.
- Include shipping costs in your agreement with the buyer.
- Do not accept overpayment for items.
- Do not wire money to a buyer for any reason.
- Notify potential buyers that:
* Items will be shipped only when payment has cleared
* Will not accept overpayments
* Under no circumstances will money, overpayments or refunds be wired
- Never include personal information in your ad.
- Whenever possible use a reputable third party like PayPal.
- If potential local buyers want to inspect items before purchase, arrange to meet them in a public place, invite a friend to accompany you to the meeting and take a cell phone. Notify police immediately if you feel threatened in any way.
- If you discover that you have been a victim of a scam, contact law enforcement immediately.
Click here to download a copy of the full tip sheet.