Advisory to sellers

MotorsByOwner.com strives to provide a safe place for buyers and sellers to get information online. However, the potential for fraud still exists and scammers are getting better and better at it as technology improves. We like to let our customers know how to protect themselves while buying or selling anything online. Just by following some of rules of thumb will make a transaction safer for everyone.

 

Advances in technology have made it possible for criminals to produce counterfeit cashier’s checks on laser printers. For maximum safety, you should verify all checks by calling the issuing bank. Do not assume that because your bank has cashed the check, it is a legitimate check. Cashier checks may take up to 30 days to determine if they are legitimate.

 

Be cautious if you are requested to handle a transaction through a wire transfer and be cautious when dealing with individuals and companies outside of the United States.

 

Be wary of a buyer who will overpay you for your item via a cashiers check with an agreement for you to send the difference along with the merchandise. Many fraudulent buyer may offer to give you check or wire transfers an amount way more than your asking price of the item and asks you to refund the difference in sending a cashiers check. If you send a check back to them, the buyer has your item and money and you’re left with a check made be a counterfeit.

 

Just us common sense when accepting any form of payments. Even if the check appears to be legitimate and you’ve confirmed the funds are posted in your account, do not turn over your item and title until the check has been cleared by the issuing bank. Also, scammers like to use emails to lure unsuspecting buyer. They will suggest using a wire transfer and a seemingly legitimate escrow service. An offer of free shipping is a common ploy to speed up the sale or take off half of the offering price.

More information on fraud: http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Fraud/