5 replies to this topic

[Brit]

For people who buy through online classifieds. Please Read
Just to let you guys know, before you buy anything, and I mean anything over the internet through the classifieds or whatever. Please make sure you go through an escrow service. Who cares about the little fees you have to pay.

Some good general rules would be:

To get their full name and address
Home Phone number if possible (They can always change cell phone numbers so easily)
And use an Escrow Service!!

Even if you don't get their other information. Escrow can still save your ass.

As a buyer, Escrow tracks the shipped merchandise and verifies it was delivered. The Seller isn't paid until the Buyer accepts the merchandise, or the inspection period expires.

As a seller, Escrow confirms when the Buyer receives merchandise.
The Seller is authorized to ship only after Escrow verifies good funds.

Don't let them talk you out of using the Escrow service no matter what! Don't be a nice guy and send the money out because they really, really need it. Or they don't like the idea. Don't fall for any of their lame excuses. If they don't want to go through it, forget about it. What's so good about that best deal in the world you found, if you don't get it?

So please remember, when buying over the internet. Learn from my mistakes. Be smart, and please use an escrow service. If they don't agree to go through Escrow. The hell with them.

Check out www.escrow.com for more details.

... Also, make sure that any emails you receive from any escrow service have the escrow services' name as the main URL. Don't give personal info, passwords, or credit card info via email for any escrow accounts or Paypal. If you receive an email from an escrow service asking you to update or restate info, make sure the link they give you is actually the site that it should be - check to make sure the domain is correct.

[slvrblt]

The link below may be helpful if you do get ripped off:


http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp


Internet Fraud Complaint Center, run by the FBI.

[Saleen#124]

Thanx Thats good info to have.... I may be haveing a problem as we speak........

[juiceyfruit]

Good to know!!

[ZzRPM]

Thanks for the tip.

[souk]

good info