Fraud Awareness
Learn information about fraud awareness and tips on how to prevent internet fraud.
The best tool for protecting yourself against internet fraud is knowledge. It is up to you to be able to recognize the warning signs of an internet scam and to protect yourself from becoming a victim of internet fraud.
Spam Response Example
The following email was sent to a large number of ads posted to the site. If you receive an email which looks similar to the one shown below, do not reply. Emails like this are used to collect your email address if and when you reply. Delete the email immediately.
Hello,
I came across your ad and I'll like to know the following questions regarding the ad.
Q#1. How long have you owned it?
Q#2. a) Have you owned it from new? b) If not how many previous owner?
Q#3.Why are you selling it?
Q#4. In your opinion, what sort of conditionis it?
Q#5. Any available photo?
Q#6. How much are you asking for it?
Q#7. Do you accept a ( Cashier Check / postal Money Order with cheque)as a mode of payment.
Q#8. Kindly get back to me with ur FULL NAME,FULL CONTACT ADDRESS,TEL # so that payment willbe issued and mailed to you.
Note that you dont need to worry about shipping as i have a private shipping company that will take care of the shipping and delivery of the item once payment is been received by you.I'll like to have the response to these question in your earliest conviniency.Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks.
Know The Warning Signs
Here are some warning signs to consider when selling or purchasing a vehicle, or any item, online.
Buyers should be alerted to a possible scam when the seller:
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is offering an item at a price that is far too good to be true. Chances are, it is too good to be true. The item could be considered stolen merchandise or counterfeit.
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asks you to send money through a non-traceable avenue such as Western Union. You should ask yourself, "Why does the seller want a non-traceable payment?"
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requests to exchange payments through an overseas address.
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posts images for his or her advertisement that have been copied from another source, or if they don't match the vehicle posted in the ad.
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refuses to provide shipping information or refuses to make reasonable pickup arrangements.
Sellers should be alerted to a possible scam when the buyer:
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sends you a cashier's check for the full amount or an amount over the originally stated selling price of the vehicle, and then requests a refund from you through a wire transfer or money order.
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requests to send money for a portion of the amount, and then the remaining amount in the future. This isn't good practice to begin with so it should be avoided at all costs.
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requests that a third party send you a cashier's check for an amount greater than the price of the vehicle, and then requests the balance be sent back in the form of a wire transfer or money order.
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states that they will have a shipper pick up the merchandise for them, and payments will be made from the foreign country where they are located.
Common Advice for Vehicle Sellers
Sellers are encouraged to use their best judgment when selling online.
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Secure the payment before signing over title to the vehicle you are selling.
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Ensure that the payment received for the vehicle is valid and genuine with your bank as well as the issuing bank. Confirm fund availability from the source of the check.
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Be wary of overseas addresses and any strange requests from buyers located overseas.
Sellers are encouraged to use their best judgment when selling online.
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Be sure you know the market value of the vehicle you are looking at buying.
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Get the receipt for proof of purchase and the title of the vehicle purchased.
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Familiarize yourself with your state's title requirements.
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Inspect the vehicle before making payment.
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Obtain a vehicle history report if possible.
How To Report Fraud