How to Not Get Scammed
Caveat Emptor
“The principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.”
YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING IF A BUYER, SELLER, CAR or PART IS LEGITIMATE
- Do your homework
- Talk to the buyer or seller on the phone, or better yet, in person
- Alternatively do a video call
- If that is not possible find someone in the area who can do it for you
- Get photos and videos. Photos can be stolen so validate the photos are theirs, ie. include a business card or drivers license in the photo for example
- Don’t send money without being 100% certain you are going to get the car or part you expect
- Don’t assume payment is legitimate. Speak to your bank representative to be sure the funds have been deposited.
DO NOT GIVE YOUR CARS OR PARTS AWAY UNTIL YOU
ARE 100% CERTAIN THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE!
ARE 100% CERTAIN THE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE!
USE COMMON SENSE!
SELLER RED FLAGS:
- The item/price is too good to be true (It probably is)
- They don’t know anything about the item
- They can’t talk on the phone
- They can’t take photos
- The item is in another location
- They insist on ONLY communicating via email, text messages or other services like FB messenger or WhatsApp.
- Payment is their primary conversation and priority.
- Payment method is shady. (western union, bitcoin, etc.)
- Payment is to be sent via PayPal or a cash app, but to a different email or phone
- They want a downpayment NOW because they have another buyer they’ll sell it to if you don’t.
- They don’t want a check mailed to them, ie because they wont give you an address
- It belongs to their long lost second cousin/grandmother/neighbor/friend
- They’re in the military and the item is on a transport
- Seller pulls your heartstrings because they need the money
- They are unwilling to provide a tracking number as part of the sale
BUYER RED FLAGS:
- They don’t ask you about the vehicle or part
- They send more money than asked, and want you to send money back
- They can’t talk on the phone