Free Connecticut Classifieds

AVOID SCAM

WARNING: DO NOT SEND OR ACCEPT MONEY THROUGH WESTERN UNION.
Deals involving Western Union or money order are usually scams.

Rules of thumb:

• Never pay in advance for an item that you haven't seen.
• Avoid dealing overseas.
• Don't divulge personal information.
• Common scam: Pedigreed pets that are free.
• Common scam: A buyer wants to overpay.
• Probable scam: A buyer/seller wants to use Western Union or Moneygram.

Classifieds are a great way to find great deals but it pays to be careful.

Fortunately, avoiding scams is easy.

• See it before you buy it. One of the great things about classifieds is that they are best done locally. The easiest way to ensure that you're getting what you want is to go see it in person. Also, choose a meeting place where you feel comfortable -- either go with a friend or meet at a public place.
• Pay Cash. Exchanging cash in person is the safest way to ensure a legitimate transaction. Be suspicious of sellers who request payment by wire transfers or money orders or if they ask money to be sent overseas.
• Ask questions. CTResults can find you great listings but the rest is up to you. Before going to see something, ask the seller lots of questions or request more photos. Make sure you know all the necessary details about an item (and see it) before you buy it.
• Look for warning signs of fraud. If a seller is unclear about their location or the origin of an object, be suspicious. Requests for your bank account, social security number, or other personal information is almost always inappropriate, and is a warning sign of fraud.

For additional advice on detecting and reporting internet fraud:

• National Fraud Information Center
• National Consumers League Fraud Page
• Internet Crime Complaint Center
• FBI Internet Fraud Page

Let CTResults know. If you do find a scam listing or have a fraudulent encounter, please let us know about the problem by contacting our support staff here so we can protect other users.

Please report questionable listings to us

Something seem too good to be true? A free iPod? Sometimes people place "spam" or fake listings to help drive inquiries to their site. Please help the community stay clean by reporting these posts. When you see a questionable listing, simply contact us and we'll take care of removing it.

Here are some samples of fraud email messages. Remember, these examples are just a fraction of the messages that are used to defraud trusting buyers. Use your judgement while buying and selling online, and don't complete a transaction if you don't feel absolutely safe.

Overpayment scam:
(this scam targets sellers)

Hello,

Good day and thanks for the mail. I am okay with the last price for this payment right away and the condition is okay too and i will instruct my client to issue you a check of $6,500 and you have to deduct your own money there and send the remaining excess funds to the shipper via western union money transfer for the pick up of this payment (Outdoor White Wicker Rockers withpads)right away in your location. Here is the information that i need from you so that you can be able to received the money order stated below.

Your Full name..........
Full Address..........

Get back to me asap with this information above today. I will await this information from you. Thanks and God bless..

 

Just-pay-shipping scam:
(the seller asks for shipping costs to be paid before the item is shipped)

Hello,

I just received your message about the puppy you are requesting for. If you know you really want the puppy , then you have to act fast immediately.

A reverend father bought the puppy yesterday and he went the puppy to Nigeria, because he was invited for a prayer crusade.

[...]

I have already told him to register the puppy with shipping company there so as to make it fast shipping to USA immediately the payment is sent to him by you. The price is still $ 300 USD. Nothing above that.

 

If you do happen to run into a fraudster, tell us about it at support@ctresults.com so we can spread the word.