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Avoiding scams and fraud

 

You can sidestep would-be scammers by following these common-sense rules:


* DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts.

* NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.

*FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.

* YOULISTREALTY IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"

* NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay info, etc.)

* AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.

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Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts


- FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
- FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
- Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
" Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
- Non-emergency number for your local police department.


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Recognizing scams
Most scams involve one or more of the following:
* Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country

* Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"

* Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consumating transaction

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