Do you buy and bid on eBay?

In my 4 years of online selling and buying, I’ve heard countless horror stories of fraudulent transactions. Scammers are everywhere, they’re the type of people who knows nothing but earn money without shedding any sweat. Most of them are professionals, some are computer whiz kids who has all the opportunity to earn good money but too lazy to do so. There are so many jobs out there (i.e. accounting jobs), why do you want to earn money the wrong way? tsk…tsk…tsk…

Here are some tips to guide you in online buying and bidding in eBay but can also be used in any online transaction.

jenny_lake’s 13 RED FLAGS To Warn a Bidder of a Fraudulent Transaction

1. A popular item is offered for a price which seems too good to be true
2. An ‘off-eBay’ transaction is conducted through email
3. Payment options provide little or no security for the buyer
4. Misleading claims of transaction security or buyer protection
5. Item is no longer listed on eBay
6. The sellers location may be a clue to a fraudulent transaction
7. Item is listed on a hijacked account
8. Free shipping from a distant country
9. No photo or stock photos are used
10. One to three day auctions
11. Escrow other than escrow.com is used
12. A fraudulent Second Chance Offer is sent
13. The bidder needs to be pre-approved or the item is listed in a private auction

Most people who are defrauded are victims of their own greed.
When a transaction appears to be too good to be true, it likely is.
Application of common sense can preserve your money.