Buying, Selling, Shopping and Auctions Online and Off

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Buying, Selling, Shopping and Auctions Online and Off

• Auction Frauds - Do you use Ebay or PayPal, or other auction websites?  Then read these tips to know what to look for! Also see our page on selling scams on the internet
• Classified Ad Scams - Online classified ad websites like Craig's List (craigslist.org and craigslist.org.uk) and newspapers have enabled millions of individuals to connect buy and sell a great variety of personal merchandise, but the scammers are operating there, just as everywhere else.  See this page for illustrated examples that explain how the scam works.
• Fake checks from fake buyers - If you have something to sell, whether you are one person selling a used item or a business, there's a scammer waiting for you, as long as you are willing to take a check for more than the price of the item.
• Fake checks - from fake lotteries, EBay buyers and others - Just because someone sends you or gives you a real-looking check, don't assume it is legitimate.  And attempting to cash it can land you in jail! Read more here. And what do you think the scammer say when you call their phone number.  Click here to read a transcript of an actual call to a scammer , as we pose as one of the "winners" he's notified by email. And see this page for a list of banks that have reported stolen checks , to see if the check you received is from one of them!
• Fake online stores - Is that website offering fantastic prices legitimate? How can you tell?  Check here for tips and lists of known scam shopping websites.
• Pet scams - Photos of cute puppies that are stranded, free to a good home>  It's a scam!
• Shopping scams - "Win a Free Laptop", "refer friends and take 1 offer" and get a free computer.  These shopping "deals" are no bargain!  See this page!