beanhead
Easily Offensive
Couple of ripoff threads on here lately. And, while there's usually two sides to the story, I do agree that we've had some members legitimately get taken advantage of. Finding things on the 'net can be great but BE SMART about this kind of stuff!
So...I thought I'd post up a few bits from a relative that's served in various levels of law enforcement:
-These scammers prey on your excitement. Don't let your feelings override a bad sense that you may get about a certain transaction. Numerous times the victim said "it didn't feel quite right, but I went for it anyway because (whatever reason)"...
-Don't hand over payment without taking posession of (whatever it is). Just don't do it! No matter how bad you want it, or how legitimate it may seem. A good scammer knows the law and will use it to their advantage.
-Be certain you're satisfied with (whatever it is) before closing the deal. Realize if you're buying something online, that you can't personally hold in your hand, you are taking a huge risk. Don't expect to be dealt with fairly in the event you are unhappy. The honor system does not apply.
-Go into all transactions with the thought that, once you walk away, they and your money are gone forever. Don't assume the police will be able to bring any sort of conclusion to the matter because most times all they get is a dead end. Most departments simply don't have the resources to continue to hunt for these people; if there isn't quick progress or, say, multiple victims begin appearing, there's nothing more they can (or will) do. Again, the scammers know this.
-It's critical to be 100% certain if you are paying by cash. You have little legal recourse afterwards without proof of funds transfer such as a paid check or credit card statement.
-Often enough simple internet searching will give you a good indicator of who you're dealing with. So take a few minutes to sit down and Google, it might save you a lot of headache and money.
...oh and protect yourself as a seller as well!
So...I thought I'd post up a few bits from a relative that's served in various levels of law enforcement:
-These scammers prey on your excitement. Don't let your feelings override a bad sense that you may get about a certain transaction. Numerous times the victim said "it didn't feel quite right, but I went for it anyway because (whatever reason)"...
-Don't hand over payment without taking posession of (whatever it is). Just don't do it! No matter how bad you want it, or how legitimate it may seem. A good scammer knows the law and will use it to their advantage.
-Be certain you're satisfied with (whatever it is) before closing the deal. Realize if you're buying something online, that you can't personally hold in your hand, you are taking a huge risk. Don't expect to be dealt with fairly in the event you are unhappy. The honor system does not apply.
-Go into all transactions with the thought that, once you walk away, they and your money are gone forever. Don't assume the police will be able to bring any sort of conclusion to the matter because most times all they get is a dead end. Most departments simply don't have the resources to continue to hunt for these people; if there isn't quick progress or, say, multiple victims begin appearing, there's nothing more they can (or will) do. Again, the scammers know this.
-It's critical to be 100% certain if you are paying by cash. You have little legal recourse afterwards without proof of funds transfer such as a paid check or credit card statement.
-Often enough simple internet searching will give you a good indicator of who you're dealing with. So take a few minutes to sit down and Google, it might save you a lot of headache and money.
...oh and protect yourself as a seller as well!