Avoining Scams on Direct Selling Websites

A reprint from Social Media Specialist Sarah Rapp, Raleigh Police Department.

The popularity of direct selling websites and apps such as Craigslist, Letgo, and OfferUp show no signs of slowing down. They offer an easy way to make money by selling your unwanted items, or to find a bargain on something you want or need. But as with anything that involves money changing hands, avoiding scams is key to having a good experience using these direct selling platforms. Take a look at some of the warning signs for these scams, and learn how you can protect yourself.

• Not Willing to Answer Questions-Someone selling an item should be able to answer your questions quickly and directly. If you ask questions about the product and receive vague, general answers, or the seller tries to change the subject to avoid answering, move on to another seller who can tell you what you want to know.
• High Pressure to Close the Deal-An honest seller will understand that you might need to sleep on it before making your final decision. If they seem anxious or agitated that you’re not willing to commit immediately, you should take your money elsewhere.
• Not Wanting to Use Cash-Paying or accepting cash is the easiest way to complete a transaction. As a buyer, don’t give a personal check to a stranger. As a seller, accepting cash protects you from receiving forged or stolen checks or money orders. Either way, if the other party insists on paying with anything other than cash, don’t go through with the transaction.
• Refusal to Meet in Person-If the other party is reluctant to meet, wants to work through a third-party intermediary, or insists on conducting everything via money transfers and snail mail, don’t waste your time. Both buyer and seller should be willing to meet in person. Of course, you’ll want to exercise caution any time you’re meeting a stranger. Take a friend with you and arrange to meet in a well-trafficked, public area. Residents can always utilize police station parking lots to conduct these transactionsto add an extra layer of safety.