How to avoid scammers

[JAC]

This will be updated as more ideas come to mind.
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1. Look at the join date. Less than a few months ago? Few posts? No feedback? Bad signs.

2. If the seller provides Heatware, make sure his email matches the Heatware account. Then email the Heatware address to confirm he's the same person.

3. Google the seller's email address. If you can't find it anywhere else, it's probably disposable.

4. Ask for a phone number. Use it. Google it. Do a reverse lookup.

5. Ask to pay by cheque or money order. Do a reverse lookup on the mailing address. Google it.

6. Look at the photos. Google the link to see if they've been used before under different accounts, or different user names.

7. Visit the photo gallery if you can, and look for photos with different user names. Google the names.

8. If you pay by PayPal, DO NOT pay as "gift". EVER.

9. Don't buy e-Tickets off Kijiji or Craigslist. Just don't.

10. If you're buying a giftcard, make the seller meet at the store and verify the balance. Then do your shopping IMMEDIATELY.

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Remember, EMT is untraceable and non-refundable. PayPal sucks balls, but at least you can try a CC chargeback. Cheque or MO is best.

Remember, trolls are stupid and lazy, and tend to re-use emails, photos and user names. But some DON'T.



Note: Please don't contact me by PM to request assistance in finding a possible scammer on RFD - post a thread. I insist on complete transparency for all disputes on this forum. You may use PM to contact me for issues outside RFD. Fees apply.

[user01]

This needs to be sticky!

[omchow]

^ I second that

[mosk2]

Thank You JAC

[jusane]

for checking on re-used photos, maybe tineye.com is a good option. It's a reverse image search.

www.tineye.com

[XxXSnake23XxX]

stickkkyyy

[RLP06]

5. Ask to pay by cheque or money order. Do a reverse lookup on the mailing address. Google it.
.

I would never accept a personal cheque, I think scammer's can use this to get people.

[JAC]

I would never accept a personal cheque, I think scammer's can use this to get people.

Don't see how, if you wait for it to clear.

[RLP06]

Don't see how, if you wait for it to clear.

I think many would be reluctant to get their goods after it clears.

[JAC]

I think many would be reluctant to get their goods after it clears.

That's price you pay for the security of a cheque.

[MP3_SKY]

Good Post. Sticky!

[Slimfast]

what's so good about a cheque? The fact that I can see who deposited it?

[JAC]

what's so good about a cheque? The fact that I can see who deposited it?

Cheques are traceable, and they also have to be mailed. Once you get the seller's mailing address, you can look it up to see if it's legitimate, and get the resident's name.

[Joseph_Reid]

People who joined recently and have low posts don't point to being scammers. Would that mean most people in Kijiji and craigslist are scammers?

And, not everyone publishes their e-mail on the world wide web.

[nicolleyu]

thank you for the advice!