|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
ONLINE AUCTION SCAM
This scam usually involves high ticket items, but can happen with any auction.
You put an item for sale on an online auction service. The item sells and the purchaser sends you funds in the form of a check. This may be a personal check, but in many cases it is an official check or money order. Before you receive the check, or maybe just after, you will be contacted by the buyer.
The buyer will tell you that the check was mistakenly made out for a much higher amount than what the item sold for. He/she will request that you deposit the funds in your account and wire him/her the difference. However, after you wire the money, you are informed by your bank that the check is no good.
You must pay the bank the entire amount of the check plus you lose the item that you sold to the buyer. The buyer’s location is often a foreign country, however, this also happens with U.S. buyers!
Another similar scam happens when a potential buyer will e-mail you before the auction is over. He/she will state that it is urgent that they have this product. They will usually offer a very high price because they need it now.
Of course they want you to ship the item before the funds have cleared. Obviously, the funds will not clear and you will be out your item you were auctioning. These are many times buyers from foreign countries, but can just as easily be from the U.S.
|
How to protect yourself:
|
|
•
|
|
Only accept secure types of payment such as Paypal ®or Bidpay® |
|
•
|
 |
Cashiers checks and Money Orders may look official but could be fraudulent - These scammers are professionals and will use professional equipment.
|
|
•
|
|
If you accept checks and/ or money orders as a form of payment, have your bank send them in for collection rather than cashing them. This will take a little longer, but will ensure the funds are good before you ship your item out.
|
|
•
|
|
Do Not ship items until funds are cleared and in your account.
|
|
•
|
|
Do Not rush the transaction just because the buyer states that it is urgent.
|
|
•
|
|
Be cautious about shipping overseas.
|
|
•
|
|
If the site uses a feedback system, check the buyers feedback. You can limit your bidders to those that have a good feedback rating.
|
|
•
|
|
Don’t assume the buyer is trustworthy from e-mails you receive from them. Remember scammers are professionals. They can sell a good story! |
back to previous page
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
