Be Safe Than Sorry! (Shop Safety Tips)
Although we at YouSell.com are always sweating buckloads to make sure you're happy, it wouldn’t hurt to be more cautious when buying/selling stuff.
Here are some safety tips on how to avoid being ripped off by scammers and other similar entities.
- Don’t be gullible. Be gullible and a 15-foot croc from Tampa will come out of your computer monitor! Always remember that it is very important to use your common sense when dealing with people you meet on the Internet. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Always deal locally. If you receive inquiries from people in faraway places or in another country, don’t ignore the warning signs in your head.
- Always ask to meet in person. If, for some reason, the individual you’re dealing with refuses to meet you face to face, then you should probably reconsider your decision to transact with him/her.
- Insist on meeting in public places. Avoid meeting in a secluded area at all cost and you must never invite strangers into your home.
- Consider bringing a friend to the meet-up place and take your mobile phone with you. As an added measure, tell someone where you’re going
- Never give out important data about yourself such as your address, home phone number, and most of all, your banking information during a chat or an online conversation.
- Be suspicious if the other party suggests you pay through Western Union, Money Gram, money order, escrow service, or a guarantee. Always choose safe payment methods like paying in cash.
- If you’re going to buy an item, see to it that you inspect it thoroughly. If the item is not as described or pictured in the ad, don’t hesitate to walk away from the deal or change your offer.
- In case you’re selling stuff, beware of accepting checks as payment. It usually takes a few weeks for most banks to inform you if you have deposited a fake check or not. The best option is to go to the bank with the buyer and get a cashier’s check issued in person.
- If the offer seems too good to be true… it probably is. DUH.
- And last but not the least, trust your instincts.