• Deal locally with folks you can meet in person - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts.
  

• Never wire funds via western union, moneygram or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
  

• Fake cashier checks & money orders are common, and banks will cash them and then hold you responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.
  

• This website not involved in any transaction, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"
  

• Never give out financial information (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)

• Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services and know that only a scammer will "guarantee" your transaction.

• FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)

• FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)

• Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501

• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)

• Non-emergency number for your local police department.

Recognizing scams

• inquiry from someone far away, often in another country

• Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"

• inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consumating transaction