Consider these tips in order to send or receive payment safely.
If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is! Maintain a healthy skepticism.
Verify the Buyer or Seller’s identity. Do addresses and names match up in public records or directories? Even better is to meet the seller in person in a safe place.
Be cautious of an individual posing as an “agent” representing a buyer or seller, or when dealing with someone outside your country.
Do not make a purchase only from photos. A photo does not verify the existence of an item. See the item in person.
If using an escrow service for payment of the transaction, verify that it is a reliable service. Never go to an escrow service site via a link in an email. Always go directly to the site, by typing in the URL. Do not use an escrow service recommended by the seller.
Fraud deals may involve shipping, wire transfers, overpayment or cashiers checks. Unusual requests involving the transaction may be a signal of a potential scam.
Do not wire money for any transaction whether you are a buyer or seller without first verifying the identity of the person you are dealing with.
Do not wire money for any transaction that initially began with an overpayment or to pay a shipper or pick up agent.
If presented with an “invoice” from PayPal or other payment service, verify it is genuine.
Use your best judgment in all transactions.
Report suspected fraudulent activity to fraud@airstreamarketplace.com
Recommendations For Buyers
Know the vehicle’s market value
Be very suspicious of any vehicle priced significantly below market value. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Confirm contact information
Verify the seller’s physical address and phone number BEFORE SENDING PAYMENT. Zip codes, area codes and addresses should match up.
Use email wisely
Do not send personal or financial information (such as your social security number, credit card number or checking account number) to a seller via email. Email communications are not secure.
Do not use money transfer services, such as Western Union to pay for online purchases
Even Western Union recommends against using their service or similar services to pay for online purchases. Be cautious about any seller who will only accept a money transfer.
If using an escrow service for payment, make sure it is a reputable, valid escrow service
Some buyers, purchasing outside their local area, may consider using an escrow service. If so, make sure it is a legitimate service. Go directly to the website of the escrow service. Do NOT go to an escrow service through a link in the seller’s e-mail or use a service based on a referral from the seller. Check the web address to make sure you are at the valid website.
Get a detailed receipt
Ask the seller for a receipt that states whether the Airstream is being sold with a warranty or “as is.”
Get title to the vehicle
Make sure you know what’s required in your state to transfer title to the vehicle you’re buying.
Recommendations For Buyers
Confirm contact information
Be wary of buyers willing to purchase your item sight-unseen, especially buyers located overseas. Always verify the buyer’s street address and valid phone number.
Verify that a certified check is genuine
Verify authenticity with the issuing bank prior to depositing a certified check. Make sure the account contains sufficient funds and the issuing bank guarantees payment on the check. Once deposited in your account, it may take a week or more for the check to clear. Acceptance by your bank does not guarantee the check is valid and funds are available. A cashier’s check can take 30 days or more to clear.
Secure payment first
Do not transfer the title until you have payment in hand at the agreed upon price (and you have verified that the payment is valid.
Beware of overpayment or other complicated payment schemes
Do not agree to any plan where the buyer asks to send a check for more than the sale price and requests that the seller refund the difference. Be suspicious of any buyer who proposes making payment through a friend or agent of the buyer.
How to Report Fraud
File a report. File a report at www.ic3.gov with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA). IC3 gives victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism. IC3 in turn alerts authorities by referring reports to the correct law enforcement or regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level.
Let us know about it. If you receive a suspicious email, report it to Trader Interactive immediately. Forward the email to fraud@airstreammarketplace.com Do not change the subject line or send it as an attachment. Simply forward the suspicious email message to us. We will contact you if we need additional information.
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Airstream: 1974 Airstream 24FT International For Sale in Shelbyville
