Recognizing Scams

Usually scams involve one or more of the following:

• The scammer is usually in a distant country.
• Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee" is the usual method of payment.
• Is usually unable to see you in order to make the deal.

Examples of Scams

1. Someone claiming Online SD Ads to be the guarantor on a transaction, certify a buyer/seller, OR claims that Online SD Ads will handle or provide protection for a payment.

These claims will always be fraudulent, as Online SD Ads does not have any role in any transaction.
A scammer will usually send an email that looks very official and appears to come from Online SD Ads. It would offer a guarantee, certifying a seller, and may also provide payment services – please note any such emails that you receive would be fake!

2. Distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check.
You may receive an email from a prospective buyer offering to buy your item even without looking at it.
The offer looks very lucrative. He/she is going to pay you by cashier's check.
The value of the cashier's check is more than the advertised item – the scammer offers to "trust" you, and requests you to wire the balance of the money via money transfer service.
Banks usually cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY FIND OUT THAT THE CHECK DID NOT CLEAR! So BEWARE, the bank is going to hold you responsible.
More than often a scam will involve a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc) this gives a polished and real appearance to a fake deal.

3. Someone requests wire service payment via Western Union or MoneyGram:

They will usually make a claim saying that a confirmation code is required before the money – can be withdrawn this is not the case. Once you've wired the money, it is GONE it is now out of your hands.
Scam "bait" items include laptops, plasma TVs, cell phones, tickets - but it can be anything.
Common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands - but scammers can be anywhere.
The deal often seems too good to be true.
 

4. Distant person offers to send you a money order and then have you wire money:

This is definitely a scam – for the cashier's check is FAKE.
It may sometimes accompany an offer for merchandise but not necessarily.
Scammer will definitely want to have your personal information like name, address, etc for printing on the fake check.
The deal often seems too good to be true.

5. Distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service.

Remember most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT, operated by scammers.
For more info, search for "fake escrow" or "escrow fraud" on the internet.

6. Distant seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which he/she will ship goods.

He/she will use words like he/she trusts you with the partial payment.
He/she may also say he/she has already shipped the item that you had ordered.
The deal often seems too good to be true.

7. Foreign company offers you a job receiving payments from customers, then wiring funds.

Foreign company may claim it is unable to receive payments from its customers directly.
You are typically offered a percentage of payments received.
This kind of "position" may be posted as a job, or offered to you via email.