Security Tips

Scams, Fraud and Buying Tips

Please be aware of scam artists that use email to take advantage of free services such as our online classifieds.
If something sounds suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
Here are some helpful hints to avoid being caught in a scam:

• Deal with local people you can meet in person and/or by a local phone number. This will help avoid scam artists that exploit the Internet.
• Never give out financial information (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.).
• Never wire funds (via Western Union, MoneyGram or other wire service).
• Watch out for fraudulent cashier's checks and/or money orders.
• Beware when payment is required up front or when you are asked to return money to the buyer. Example: If your item price is $150 and a buyer says they will send you a check for $450 and ask you to mail them the difference - this is a scam. Do not comply and avoid this buyer.
• Be cautious of emails with spelling errors, grammar problems, or inconsistent information. It may originate from outside the country.
• Scammers will often "guarantee" a transaction - this is common in fraudulent deals.
• Be cautious of buyers who are working for a "Client" - again deal only with people you can meet with in person or trust.
• Te-Lists.com is not involved in any transaction. We are not involved with shipping, payment or any other part of your transaction with a buyer or seller.

Here is an example of a scam email :

"I MR.LEE from ENGLAND. I want to buy your items for my friends son who has just relocated in west africa (Nigeria) and the item is needed very urgently because he has told me to buy the item for him and i dont want to disappoint him ,and dont want him to loose the competition and i have already promised him that i am going to buy it for him and send it to him in NIGERIA. So kindly tell me the price that you are expecting to sell the items. Moreso, make enquiries for the cost of shipping to NIGERIA via UPS or REGISTERED POST Service so that i can know what to do next to make the transaction fast and secured. Kindly get back to me as soon as possible. PAYMENTS: BANK TRANSFER or MONEYGRAM"