They are trying to rip us off. Be careful

Paddlers' Place
#1

I have now received 2 possibly 3 inquiries for kayaks we are selling where the buyer says " I will send a cashier check and you send the boat. I will cover the moving costs." Beware, I know this is not legit and I will lose my beautiful boat and end up with a worthless check. Anyone else getting this with your classifieds?
Lavon

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#2

All the usual scams found on any FSBO site are found here too.
Fortunately, most are copycats of well worn stories. Common sense (no one pays full price and shipping, sight unseen), vigilance (every once in awhile, a new scam appears), and communication ( people on this site readily share experiences with the rest of us) are the prime directives.

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#3

My answer here is mail me a bank note (Tellers check) drawn on a major bank, and I’ll send right away, any other monetary instrument the shipment will be held off for two weeks until the check clears both banks.

A tellers check, is basically the same as cash as the bank it’s drawn on has already received the funds. and then cut the check. thereby guaranteeing the money.

#4

These days, I’d say cash only, you come pick it up in my town (but not at my home address.) Set out the terms of the transaction in the ad and ignore any responses that veer from full agreement.

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#5

I haven’t, perhaps because my ad clearly states cash payment due on delivery.

#6

That’s my approach too, except I live in the woods and give buyers a choice of meeting in a couple of nearby towns (in a very public place). Also, I offer to accept PayPal but have had only one buyer choose that option in several years. I’m not cool enough for Venmo, which I’m told is now the preferred payment app.

#7

If transaction is in person and not paying by cash, take a picture of their license plate or ask if you can take a copy of their driver’s license. Not necessarily foolproof, but likely will dramatically reduce the chance of a scam. Preferably do both.

See if their address matches a name on the check if that’s how they are paying.

#8

I learned to spot scammers by getting a course on online safety and it’s one of the best investments I made

#9

It’s simple. If they cant come get it they dont want it very bad. PERIOD.
I dont deal with any of that I’ll mail a check stuff. Instant BLOCK.
You should also.

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