I have been reading allot of scam posts and it is truly sad that you can't trust people now days. I think if we can all follow some simple rules then the scammers will start to disappear.

Rules

1: Always get home address, home # and cell# from buyer and seller. Verify that the name and address are correct and associated with that person with the phone company/whitepages online/etc.

2: getting a work # is VERY helpful and recommended but you should also verify that that person works for the company. I usually will call the company operator and ask to speak to that person which is a sure sign that that person works there. This gives you good contact info when filing a complaint with the authorities.

3: Have them fax a copy of their drivers license and you do the same for them. Make sure to cross out any really personal info like SS#.

4: NEVER!! EVER!! purchase a product without seeing photos of it. If seller can't provide then just look elsewhere.

5: Transfer of money is a very touchy one to deal with. Do you send money before receiving product or do you send it after receiving product? This is up to the buyer and seller. My advise if you send a check is to post date the check. That way you can cancel it if the product is not delivered but most buyers don't like to get personal checks. Understandable. A good idea is to get a draft check made at your bank with the persons name on it. Fax a copy of it to them so they know that the check has been made and once you receive your product, OVERNIGHT the check to them. Another Idea, some banks will start an automatic transfer for you between 2 accounts which the other person can verify but will not be released until you give the ok. This process only costs a few extra $$ but is worth it if spending allot of $$.

6: When ever possible, it is always best to just pick the item up so you can inspect it first hand. Even if it is a 7 hour drive away. If you are investing allot of $$ into it, it is worth it. You can also send fellow HT members that you trust and know over to the seller to inspect it for you.

Please post any other good ideas that you all have!!

 

 

If it seems to good to be true, than it probably is. A lot of times when I buy something I will ask to see pics that the person would have to go take right away to make sure they actually have it. Also if someone else on H-T is interested in buying the same thing, Ill keep in touch with them to make sure the item isnt being sold to bolth of us. Look at E-Bay feeedback or ask if they have an e-bay account, never hurts. Also if the item is over like $200, ill definetly drive to pick it up or find it locally. I have that luxury because I live in Los Angeles so evrything is available. Be super careful when you post WTB ads, as this is the easiest way to get scammed because you need the item. Ive almost been scammed numerous times posting a WTB thread. Think about it the scammer knows you need something, and you already have cash, all they need to do is tell you they have it.


Death to scammers. This is a great post and idea

 

great advice

 

i recently starting selling on H-T. had no vouches, all i needed was one person to sell to, in order for others to have that confindence. however i did have a kid in Cali call my cell and have a friendly talk and i kept in contact to him through the phone, i guess he felt more comfortable. a vouch thread really helps. try buying more expensive things locally.