Recognizing Scams and Fraudulent Transactions

Warning Signs of Scams

• Refusal to Meet in Person – The seller avoids face-to-face contact, claiming only a small shipping fee is required.
• Deals Too Good to Be True – Buyers willing to pay over the asking price or ignoring shipping costs.
• International Buyers or Sellers – Transactions involving overseas shipping and wire transfers.
• Inconsistent Ad Details – Mismatched locations, incorrect images, or email addresses within descriptions.
• Requests for Financial Information – Scammers asking for bank details, wire transfers, or login credentials.

Common Online Scams

• Phishing Attacks – Fake emails or messages pretending to be from legitimate platforms, asking for login credentials.
• Verification Code Scam – Someone asks you to share a verification code to gain control of your account.
• Fake Google Checkout Payments – Fraudulent Google Checkout pages used to steal money.
• Western Union or MoneyGram Fraud – Requests to send money via these services, which scammers can withdraw instantly.
• Bogus eBay or eBay Motors Transactions – Fake sellers asking for payments through eBay for items sold elsewhere.
• Fake Cashier’s Checks – Scammers send fraudulent checks that eventually bounce after you’ve sent the item.
• Urgent Buyer Tactics – Scammers pressuring you to complete transactions quickly before you detect fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

Always verify the identity of buyers or sellers, avoid transactions involving wire transfers, and report suspicious activity. If you suspect fraud, contact the appropriate authorities.