After hearing a news report on CBC about an Edmonton Realtor Robert McLeod; I though I should give some helpful tips to try help prevent users from being taken advantage of by scammers. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent you from being taken advantage of by scammers.- If it is to good to be true it usually is
- Deal and meet with people locally as often as possible. Especially if using Kijiji, Craigslist or BuySell
- Google the people or company your dealing with find as much information as possible.
- If you have reservations or "bad feelings" about who your dealing with DON'T!
- If there are professional accreditations check them out and confirm them. i.e. Better Business Bureau
- Use a payment type that has excellent fraud protection or fraud insurance, like Visa, PayPal ***Policies my vary***
- If something is a scam, report it to the authorities and the listing company.
- Keep all evidence of the scam/fraud to protect yourself. Always file your paperwork and keep all documentation of all communications.
- Don't cash or send any money orders, cheques etc. for any companies or individuals. At least not right away until you can establish that the individuals or company(s) are not scammers. Any fraud that will occur will happen right away, they will ask you to cash or send money to places with all kinds of excuses. REMEMBER you will be held responsible for any fraud that occurs if you cash any checks, money orders etc. Protect yourself no company or individual will get the a new person to pay the bills or handle large sums of money when they are just hired!
If you use these tips it should help prevent you from being scammed; you do need to keep a cool head, have a sober second thought. People get excited if they find something that seems to be to good to be true. Use your discretion and follow the guidelines and you should be fine.
Good Hunting
Trevor
