NOTICE Beware of scammers and protect yourself and your transactions

[Jim Oaks]

Once, maybe twice a year, I hear about someone having a problem with a transaction buying/selling an item.

Beware of members that you're not familiar with, or whose only posts are in regards to items for sale. You can see their activity by clicking on their user name and viewing their profile.

If you suspect a scammer, please report them right away.

It's always best if you can conduct your transactions in person, but often it's not practical when you find things for sale on the internet.

I would recommend that you use Paypal, and never send cash, checks, or money orders. Paypal charges the seller a 3% (.03) fee for transactions, unless it's a gift or money owed. Beware of seller that don't want to pay the fee and want you to send them money as a 'gift' or 'money owed'. Your transaction will not be insured. That means if you get screwed over, Paypal will not give you your money back.

Never ship an item before you've received payment.

Always get a tracking number to verify the item was shipped/received. Get a photo of the item before it's shipped in case it's damaged, or not what you bought upon receiving it.

This won't give you 100% protection, but it will improve the odds against getting ripped off.

Beware of 'Email my friend' messages.

This seems to be a popular method. Beware of anyone that wants you to email them outside of the forum or has a friend that they want you to email that's either interested in the part you're selling, or the one you're looking for.

 

[4.0B2]

good info Jim.
if nothing else, offer to pay the 3% just for the extra insurance if you are the buyer. If you are the seller; just be aware you're gonna be charged 3% and just ask a little more for the item if needed.

Make sure to ship the stuff with insurance also, it's cheap if you need it.. and it's only a little money wasted if you don't need it.


REMEMBER to, We are all people with the same interest. Be good to people on here. We are all generally good people. Don't take advantage of us or others.

 

[fuzzy1]

Good sound advice thanks Jim

 

[Billybob]

Thanks Jim for the advise

 

[jonathanh96]

I'd like to add: In addition to this, if a situation does arrive where the seller scams the user, do not close the paypal dispute in promise that the seller will refund. The seller can choose to refund the money through his paypal on his dispute side and it'll close the dispute automatically. If a seller is telling you to close the dispute and he'll refund you he is scamming you.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

Just to update the “terminology”

NEVER send money as “friends and family” period! Always send it as “paying for goods or services” this way you as the buyer will be protected.

In the wise words of my trainer at my currently job “cover your ass”