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Be Safe - Avoid Scams
Generally, shopping online today is a safe means of acquiring new and used goods. And, to make an acquisition through any classified ad site, we believe the vast majority of buyers and sellers respect each others place in the process and only want what’s best for the sake of completing a mutually beneficial transaction.
Unfortunately, as a result of a small number of dishonest people who use the internet as a device to carry out fraudulent activities, at all times each and every one of us must proceed with caution when conducting business online.
Although, with dedicated buyers and sellers connecting there is little to fear, from time to time a new scam appears that could in fact cause severe harm to all those who fall for it.
Please take comfort in knowing that fraud prevention and your personal safety is a top priority for us, and as a classified ad site designed specifically for Big Ticket item Buyers and Sellers across the USA and Canada, at LeaseArrangers.com we're taking a very aggressive stance against scammers and their deceitful actions.
However, even with the most sophisticated computer programmed detection systems, and the assistance of various law enforcement agencies, not all dishonest people can be stopped from committing crimes, nor can all of their sinister acts be blocked from occurring. Therefore, as we will do our very best to keep you informed of any scams and fraudulent activities detected on our site, we want you to be aware of some steps you can take to better protect yourself.
Visit our Scam Alerts to learn of any scams or fraudulent activities detected on our site.
Protecting Yourself:
As with any advertisement of a product or item offered (or item wanted) posted by an unknown business or person from either a short or long distance away, and most certainly where it involves a significant financial transaction, common sense prevails and you must always take steps to protect yourself from any wrong doing.
Obviously, the most effective way to ensure you're getting precisely what you want and expect is to see the item in person. And, whether of a short or long distance from where you reside, this is an important step in any Big Ticket item transaction, just as any one of us would unlikely acquire a vehicle or perhaps a vacation property, specific machine or equipment item without first seeing it, testing it out, and knowing that it meets all our needs.
With this in mind, there are some basic safety principles for both Buyers and Sellers to follow when pursuing an opportunity through an online classified ad, all of which we highly recommend you take as precautionary measures to ensure a positive experience.
Basic Safety Principles:
For Buyers:
1) Trust your instincts (if it appears too good to be true, in all likelihood it
probably is) and be wary of a Seller who does not include a number of good
photos of their item;
2) Do your homework and get all the facts on the item you have interest
with before you make your initial enquiry to the Poster (Seller);
3) Limit the amount of personal identifiable information you reveal to the Seller
until you’re comfortable enough to deal with them;
4) Ask the Seller as many questions as possible about the condition, age and
history of their item and obtain from them a copy of all documentation that
proves they are in fact the lawful owner (preferably free and clear of any
liens);
5) Avoid mailing or wire transferring money (as a security deposit or otherwise)
via your bank or a transfer agent of any kind, and most certainly prior to
confirming all of the ownership transfer details;
6) See the item in person and meet the Seller in a public place and bring a friend
before you make the final decision to acquire the item;
If at any point during the initial contact process the Seller sounds unknowledgeable, evasive or suspicious in any way, or gives you even the slightest uncomfortable feeling, trust your instincts and don’t pursue the transaction any further.
For Sellers:
1) Be descriptive but to the point when posting your classified ad and upload as
many good quality photos as possible;
2) Avoid inserting personal identifiable information within your classified ad. Let
the buyer make the initial enquiry to you via “Contact this Poster” and
respond with using a Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo address – not your main
e-address;
3) Limit the amount of personal identifiable information you reveal to the Buyer
until you’re comfortable enough to deal with them;
4) Be wary of any Buyer who asks few questions about your item and be extra
careful if they claim to be a stand-in for the actual Buyer; Request to meet in
a public place to view your item and certainly avoid having total strangers
meet you at your home;
5) Do not accept personal checks, travelers checks wire transfers. Always insist
on cash, certified check, or a cashier’s check only.
If at any point during the initial contact or negotiating process the Buyer gives you even the slightest uncomfortable feeling, trust your instincts and walk away from the deal. It’s just not worth it to jeopardize your safety!
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