Craigslist is an online listing network that has gained popularity as the largest source of sale posting that is either free or heavily advertised. Creators of free Craigslist classifieds include artists, collectors, and ordinary citizens. Their goal is to make money through the sale of their materials.
While the vast majority of the posts that are therein are legal, it is charlatans who carnally want to fish in the sea with your bait. The names are changed to likeness to those that lure in the unsuspecting. The emails are typically the bait.
We should all now know by heart that you cannot trust anyone who asks for money in connection with a car, home, shoes, or any other item. They would have their hooks in you, and the longer you stay with them, the more they will be able to reel in your money.
If you have a compelling reason to pay for a photo-heavy post, then you better be sure that the company is reliable. You are going to want to look for evidence that this company has a License to Practice Scams.
How do they show their credentials?
Here are some light-hearted, but accurate ways to detect a scam.
In-person, test your senses. If it doesn’t feel right, then go back to the 1,000 other posts like it.
If you find that the company providing the post is unfamiliar, check with their Better Business Bureau page. If they are duly licensed, there will be a yellow and black check box saying something about it.
Additionally, click on any ” dysphoric ” link to make sure it’s a genuine company that you are visiting.
When in doubt, visit their website and send them an email. Don’t be afraid to write an email in which you include your credit card and/or bank account information. Sears, for example, will have a website on which you can dispute a transaction. In addition, call and speak to a salesperson. Do they seem genuine? You bet they do! But, they don’t tell you that unless you are absolutely sure.
(2) If it’s not a neighborhood you know, don’t do it.
This is not a statement about physical characteristics, but rather self-conscious behavior. If you know the family to be safe, you will avoid them whether you like it or not. self-consciously avoid strangers who look suspicious.
(3) It doesn’t look like a Mall or a Bank.
Mall or Bank look intimidating, but really they are not. Most of them are green, and Sears even has a green building. They look good and are well-appointed. If they are busy, and there are a lot of people, it is advisable to call before going in to check.
NEVER Click a link on a Prospective Customer’s Email
I like to put a hold on all hope of a transaction after I have clicked the link. Either to alert the customer that they are going to call again or to stop the call if they have malfunctioned. Many links on fraudulent e-mails will take you to a fraudulent website.
NEVERinks the Terms of Service on a Website
Before you put your credit card through a website, read the policy of the company through e-mail, or ask a salesperson. Do they agree to your terms? Maybe they don’t, but better safe than sorry.
Consumers are the best defense against online fraud. knew by doing these things, that it is hard to tell the difference between a legitimate and fraudulent company. But, using the above points, and a little common sense will keep you, your pictures, and your hard-earned money safe.
