Guidelines for Buying and Selling

Following these protocols will help ensure safer, more reliable transactions for everyone in the community.

Exercise “New User” Caution: Be extra vigilant if the person you are dealing with is not a member.
Don’t Equate Response with Legitimacy: A fast reply to your ad is not proof of a real seller. Verify every buyer and seller individually.
Establish Direct Contact: Always speak over the phone. Better yet, arrange a video call to see the car or part “live” to ensure it actually exists in their possession.

Request “Proof of Life” Photos: Scammers often steal images from old listings. Ask for a fresh photo of the item with a unique identifier next to it, such as a piece of paper with today’s date or their username written on it.
Spot “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If the price is significantly below market value for a rare part or vehicle, proceed with extreme skepticism.

Use Protected Transfers: Only use payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal or Venmo “Goods and Services.” * The “Friends & Family” Red Flag: Never send money via “Friends and Family” or via untraceable methods like wire transfers or apps to a different email/phone than the seller’s.
Avoid Paper Risks: Be wary of cashier’s checks and money orders, as these are frequently forged.
No Cash for Couriers: A common scam involves asking you to pay “shipping companies” or drivers in cash upfront. This is a major red flag.

Deal Locally When Possible: Meeting in person is the single most effective way to eliminate the risk of a scam.
Maintain Personal Responsibility: HCCA does not verify or guarantee any transaction. The “due diligence” is entirely up to you.
Trust Your Gut: If a deal feels rushed or the seller is evasive, walk away.

SCAM RED FLAGS

Paying heed to these warnings will prevent you from being scammed more often than not.

The “Friend” Referral: You receive a message saying, “Email my friend at [address]; he has the part you need.” (This is a classic ‘middleman’ tactic to bypass platform security).
The Middleman Excuse: Claims the item belongs to a long-lost cousin, grandmother, or neighbor.
The Ghost Factor: The seller is unwilling or “unable” to speak on the phone or provide a physical address.
Channel Locking: They insist on ONLY using email, WhatsApp, or FB Messenger to avoid a paper trail.

The “Shadow” Item: The seller can’t provide new, specific photos or knows zero technical details about the item.
The Relocation Play: The item is suddenly in a different location than advertised, or the seller claims to be in the military with the item currently “on a transport.”

The False Rival: They demand a down payment NOW because they supposedly have another buyer waiting.
The Sob Story: The seller tries to pull your heartstrings by claiming they need the money for an emergency to rush your decision-making.
The “Too Good” Price: If the deal feels like a steal, it’s usually a robbery.

Priority Shift: Payment is their primary conversation and first priority, rather than the condition of the item.
Shady Methods: Requests for Western Union, Bitcoin, or other untraceable transfers.
The “Friends & Family” Trap: Requests to pay via PayPal “Friends and Family” or sending cash app payments to an email/phone number that doesn’t match the seller’s.
The Tracking Blackout: Unwillingness to provide a tracking number as a condition of the sale.