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Fraud and internet scams
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Avoiding Scams
The internet is a great place to buy and sell however there are scams out there.
These scams and frauds are a world wide internet activity.
Firstly, if you are contacted by such people the introductory email can be written badly and in Pidgin English. But, the more sophisticated they become the more they use professionally written emails. The individual is generally abroad "with someone owing him or her money". They also need to use a 'shipping agent'. The email will often start "Good day" or "Greetings" and urge you to communicate quickly and end "hope to hear from you soonest", "God bless" etc. Some example emails are copied to the bottom of this text. But please remember the majority of foreign trade is legitimate.
Below is an example of an actual e-mail received by an internet advertiser :
Thanks for the prompt response,I am ok with the price and condition.I want to inform you that am sending you a (CASHIER CHECK) of AU$4000.00 of which you will have to send the exess funds to the private shipping company to enable them to come down to your location for the pick up.Please advise if my opinion is comfortable by you so that we can proceed on payment asap.Thanks and have a nice day,Looking forward to read from you asap.
Some golden rules are:-
1) Not to accept cheques. Especially "Cashiers Cheques or Checks". Cheques are a favourite fraud and the typical current scam involves accepting payment by cheque (often for more than the advertised price of the item) and a shipping agent picking up the goods as above (and any difference over the asking price). The cheque subsequently proving to be no good.
2) Do not pay for goods unseen. Buying goods without seeing them or putting holding deposits on them is the quickest way of losing money. Even with your own countrymen I'm afraid. We find fraudsters advertising goods that do not really exist. They can even send pictures or simply copy adverts from another site. If you have a 'Wanted' advert be extra careful.
3) Try to establish title and if you can't, don't proceed.
4) Establish the individual's identity and abode.
5) Sadly it does not mean that "cash is King". One seller of a hi fi system took his buyer to the nearest cash machine and waited in his car. The buyer went to the machine and came back and paid for the goods in counterfeit money. He must have had the counterfeit on him all the time!
6) Always exchange receipts.
7) Take legal advice.
Don't be scared into inactivity though as the overwhelming majority of transactions are in good faith and conducted between good, honest and honourable individuals.
If you still remain in doubt then going to a trader or employing the services of a brokerage can have many enhanced safeguards.
Most of the above is just common sense dont let these scammers stop you using the internet, many sales have been made via our site and other classifieds sites out there.
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