Do not become a victim of the so-called
419 Nigerian scam.
Fake Cashiers' Checks and Money Orders are common - banks will cash them then hold YOU responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.
Avoid
- anyone contacting you from a distant land;.
- who wants to buy via online escrow. Most online escrow sites are frauds. Google "escrow fraud";
- anyone who wants to wire you funds;
- anyone who wants to involve a 3rd party (shipper, business associate, etc.);
- anyone who offers to send you a money order and then have you wire money;
- anyone who asks you for your bank information, Social Security number, etc.
Deal only with traders registered on the forum on which your FS thread is posted. They should post in the thread to help confirm they are who they say they are. Check that their email address matches their Heatware account.
It is not a good idea to negotiate a trade via PM. Use email only so you can check the full Internet headers to see where the person is emailing you from.
See email example on
Anandtech's FS/FT forum.
These scammers will even reply to you asking for more product information to make themselves sound legit, then try to get your personal information when you reply.
Here's another example of a scammer email I received in reply to my personal FS ad (on Craigslist):
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How are you doing? Thanks for your prompt reply.I really appreciate your detailed breakdown and frankness on this. Well, Ive seen the pictures and Im quite satisfied.
Unfortunately, Im on my way to France on an official trip(I'm a marketing Executive) and wont be back for another two weeks, I would have come to inspect the sofa personally. Also, Im taking your word for true on It though .
I' m relocating to the UK this month and I'm trying to gather some good furniture for my new abode. Im buying yours amongst others, quickly! before someone else grabs it.
So, I'll arrange to send you payment ASAP. However, I'll have to notify my shipper who's helping me move my things from the US,to get set for the pickup of the sofa from your place as I MIGHT be delayed here in France depending on how things goes.
Glad if you could let me have me your no. so I give you a call.
Best Regards,
Jeremy.
PS: In the mean time, you could forward me your full name and contact address so I contact by Bank with it before mailing out the certified check/money order to you ASAP.
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Craigslist.org also has good information on how to spot and avoid being scammed:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/about/scams.html