Classifieds Scam & Fraud Information

You can avoid the majority of scams and fraud by simply using common sense. Here are a few tips:

• Deal LOCALLY with people you can MEET IN PERSON and you'll avoid nearly 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 and Money Orders are common in scams. Banks WILL cash them, but hold YOU responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.

• SpokaneAds.net does not get involved in any transactions. We do NOT handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer any type of "buyer protection" or "seller certification."

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

• Avoid deals involving SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES. Be aware that only a scammer will "guarantee" your transaction.

Who to Notify about Fraud or Scam Attempts

If you suspect that an item posted for sale in the SpokaneAds.net Free Classifieds may be part of a scam, please REPORT THE ABUSE by clicking the "Prohibitive" link near the top right-hand corner of the listing description page. You may also email details to help@SpokaneAds.net. Be sure to include the page URL or the six-digit Posting ID number in your message.

In addition, you may report abuse to the following organizations:

• FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)

• FTC online complaint form (http://www.ftc.gov)

• Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501

• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov)

• Non-emergency number for your local police department

For information on Scam and Fraud Alerts being handled locally through the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho & Montana, click through to Scam and Fraud Alerts in the Spokane.net Press Releases.

Personal Safety Tips

The majority of users on SpokaneAds.net are trustworthy and well-intentioned. Nevertheless, it's very important to take the same common-sense precautions when meeting someone for the first time in person as it is when interacting with them online. Remember to:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe

• Tell a friend or family member where you're going

• Take your cell phone along if you have one

• Consider having a friend accompany you

• Trust your instincts

For more information about personal safety online, check out http://getsafeonline.org and http://wiredsafety.org.

Examples of Scam/Fraud Attempts Reported on SpokaneAds.net

Sending Fake Money Orders
A person who acts like he is interested in something you are selling on SpokaneAds.net is sending out fake money orders for MORE than what you are asking for the product. Then he will act as though it were a mistake and have you keep the money for the product you are selling and send the rest to his "agent" by Western Union. He claims to be out of town on a business trip, so you will need to do the product exchange through his "agent," too.

The buyer behind this scam goes by the name "Richards William" or "Richard W. Rummel" and his email is Willrichy@gmail.com. It is possible that he picked a random name and address in Florida (Richard W. Rummel). Please be aware of this scam and remember to accept only cash for your product.

– reported September 2008

Still have questions? Email help@SpokaneAds.net.