The first time I was a victim of an e-mail scam I was searching online for concert tickets for an event that was sold out. After having a conversation with the seller in the comments section on the page’s events on Facebook (and disregarding all warnings) I made the money to purchase tickets via PayPal, only to not hear from her ever once more. I learned a valuable lesson the next day: when you shop on the internet for second-hand items and even on sites with security measures for the seller and buyer the burden is on you to guard yourself against fraudsters.
In the year 2019, consumers complained about more than 173,000 incidents online of scams to the Federal Trade Commission (PDF) which was the third most significant complainant source, ranked after frauds by imposters and phone frauds. Beware when buying or selling through a third-party website for resales is crucial because “often, these scams take money that the consumer voluntarily transfers from a bank account,” This means there’s no legal recourse in the event that you’ve been victimized.
If you’ve been scammed previously (and wish to avoid repeats) or you’ve never been taken advantage of (and would like to ensure that it stays the same) it is important to be aware of your actions when browsing websites for resales. This is how to ensure your safety, along with suggestions for resale websites that users use themselves.
Use a trusted resale website
When you are considering buying or selling something online, make sure you conduct background checks on the site you’re considering using. All of them are that is used for clothing and accessory sales. It also authenticates vintage and designer items to ensure buyers can be assured they’re getting the genuine deal. The RealReal Consignment, a prestigious site, takes great care to ensure that the items are authentic. It also promotes exchanges in person instead. Facebook Marketplace and eBay give buyers the option of buying and selling your items locally or online, providing protection against fraud when you select the latter option. To prevent fraud the tech resale website Swappa requires verification photos, which are pictures of the item, along with a written unique code Swappa provides to the seller. Bicycle Bluebook, a secondhand bicycle resale website will require all sellers to supply serial numbers that are used to verify the authenticity of the sale and also prove that the bike isn’t reported stolen.
You can meet in person, and if possible.
Local or local apps and websites such as Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace encourage meeting up in person, if possible for your transactions to be completed. It’s less likely to be scammed when you purchase and sell in person. as a buyer, it is possible to can examine the item prior to making the payment, and as a seller, you can take the money immediately. You don’t have to be concerned about damaged or lost packages, either. Make sure you ensure that you’ve done all the right things prior to the exchange, such as selecting a place that is accessible to the public. A lot of police stations provide meet-up points. It’s also a good idea to inform a family member or family member to understand where you’re going.
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Utilize a resale site that has protections for sellers in place
If you sell your items on the internet, you run the possibility of dealing with a scammer buyer. This is the reason it’s crucial to ensure whether the website you’re using is in your best interest in your mind. Poshmark is one example. It will give the seller an unpaid shipping label only when the buyer has made a payment for the item. After that it serves as an intermediary between the seller as well as the buyer, securing the funds until the buyer is able to accept the product. Experts recommend sellers wait until the payment has cleared before they can send items. If the buyer deliberately canceled the payment following the completion of an order, sellers may make a claim, and Depop will forward the problem to USPS as well as PayPal. If sellers haven’t received payment, eBay suggests submitting an unpaid-item claim through the website’s resolution center. the seller is automatically credited for the item that was not paid for if the case is closed with no payment by the purchaser.
As a buyer, you must transfer or make payments via the app or website
A lot of resale sites offer security features to safeguard their customers, but only when payments are made via their websites. When you are evaluating resale apps and websites, be sure to read their policies regarding buyer protection and search for websites that offer an entire refund in the event that the product doesn’t show up in the manner the item was advertised or comes out to be damaged. The editor in charge of privacy and security, recommends using a credit or debit card (rather than a debit card) for transactions. “It’ll be easier to monitor fraud that way,” He adds that you’ll have the option to stop your account from being frozen or file a report to the company that handles credit cards should there be a problem.
Be aware of red flags and don’t overlook them.
After you’ve had the conversation with a buyer or seller be aware of anything that appears odd. “If someone makes strange requests, won’t answer basic questions, only wants to communicate outside the app, asks for a deposit–those are red flags,” the vice director of communications for the corporate and public relations at Letgo the neighborhood Resale application. Be wary of anyone who demands to pay in a strange or difficult way, for example using gift cards or money orders. Anyone who claims that you could purchase the item for less or quicker through a payment method other than the resale software that you’re using is probably swindling you, too.
Have a closer look at the profile of the user
In the majority of websites for resales, buyers are required to establish an account. Before closing a deal examine the details on that profile. It must be accurate and include all the fields that are addressed as well as a picture of the person. Some sites let users write reviews about the seller or buyer and review reviews for negative signals. “This can be a key indication that the transaction will go smoothly,” says Ashley Settle, a senior manager at eBay. “You’ll see how recently the user has made other sales and what buyers have to say about their experience.” If you find something that appears suspicious look for a different customer or buyer.
Request images of the item
You can also ask for the vendor to add something on the picture which proves that it was taken just recently such as a sticky note that has your name on it or the date on the item you’re looking to purchase. If they’re not willing or unable to comply with the request, then take your purchase elsewhere. If you are purchasing a more expensive antique or vintage product Depop’s Rose advises you to always seek out certificates of authenticity and serial numbers as well as images of the labels and stitches to make sure that you’re getting what you want.
Always report scammers.
If you believe a potential person selling or buying is trying to profit from people notify the administrators of the website you’re on. Certain sites allow you to notify the user directly, while other sites will require you to send an email address with the individual’s details. If you’ve been the victim of fraud, Expert advises that you submit a complaint to your local attorney general, the Federal Trade Commission, and your local attorney general. You should also submit a police complaint. While these organizations do not have the resources to respond to all complaints, Expert claims that all complaints become part of databases. The number of complaints regarding a specific scam is among the elements an agency takes a look at to determine whether or not to concentrate resources on investigating the scam.
