Main Question - Posted From Guest:

Moderator Says:
One of the main ways scams are done over the internet, and something everyone should be aware of, is that they request the money to be sent by "money transfer". It doesn't matter if its some "safe account" (or whatever excuse they tell you), if its a money transfer dont EVER do it. Anyone can setup these accounts and you may think the name sounds legitimate, but if you send the money via any money transfer then you are asking to just your cash. If they tell you they "can't accept payment" via this method, their method is safe, or any other excuse, then look elsewhere. Anyone who is serious about selling tickets will take a check from you or will accept credit card (even today accepting credit cards is simple, anyone can get a paypal account free and then accept a credit card or paypal payment). The bottom line is by cashing a check or having the paypal account, they have to be verified by a BANK to do this, so fraud is much tougher to pull off. It also rules out the fact it could be any foreigner in a different country scamming you with some free email address.

Jim Says:
even ebay could be scamming this way, do not send money payments to some unknown person you communicated with especially when talking via email only. I've done money transfers with businesses to buy some stuff, but this is correct, never do it with an individual.... scam-o-rama.

Jim Says:
Another thing, I would ask for their phone number to talk to them. Many scammers are in foreign countries and can't give you a phone number. Even with that I would never transfer $$$, but at least it gives you a better feeling about the seller talking on the phone.

Moderator Says:
I just realized I didn't explain that very well. What I meant was if anyone ever tells you the "only" method of payment they can accept is through a 3rd party money transfer, etc. (meaning any type of payment that is NOT a check or credit card.....) then don't do it. If they are serious about it they will accept other payment methods, and money transfer scams are well known. Don't make the mistake as I known people that have lost hundreds of $$ buying tickets with money transfer or 3rd party processors .... and the tickets never arrived. If you buy with credit card you are protected, they can't scam you if you pay that way, and as I mentioned, its simple for any "legitimate" seller to get a paypal account to accept both credit cards and paypal, and the cost is 0.

Guest Says:
Simple rules: Do not ever purchase by sending money to some unknown person via money transfers like western union, "any" escrow service, or moneygram. Do not ever give out financial information either like account numbers, social security numbers. etc. Never... under any condition no matter how good the deal seems. Follow these rules and you've already eliminated most fraud.

Guest Says:
Dont forget also that fake money orders are also common if someone is paying you. The way fake money orders work, is that they send you the money order, you cash it at the bank, and then a week or so later the bank holds you responsible for the fraud and your product is now gone with it. There was a scam going around where people were sending money orders from overseas and had various excuses why they needed your help in cashing it, and then when you wired the money back to them, you were held responsible for all of it because it was fake. Don't be gullible!

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