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There is no 100% fool proof way to spot a scammer but using the following points as a guideline will get you 95% of the way there. Each of the following will increase the risk that the other person is a Scammer:
1. The likely have only a few posts on the Hub.
2. Read some of their posts - they are only related to buying and selling and not to ‘cycling in general’.
3. They can be a buyer or a seller.
4. They will use something to lure you in. If you see an ad that gets your blood rushing – alarm bells must go off. They like to advertise stuff that is ‘unused’ because I accidentally bought a R50 000 bike that was the wrong size.
5. There are no photos of the goods provided or the photo's have been pulled off the web - i.e. do a Google search for 'Scott Scale' and if the same picture comes up then he is a scammer. If you don’t trust the photo ask for a follow up one e.g. ask for a close up photo of the drive chain.
6. Scammers are not that interested in the condition of what you are selling or how much in how much it costs.
7. Scammers will use a different name each time so asking in the Forums if 'Gary from Bruma' is a scammer will not help you.
8. Scammers prefer not to answer their cell phone. They prefer to SMS you back.
9. Scammer's email address will be web based. Gary69MTb@gmail.com and not a company domain e.g. MikeK@knowncompanyx.co.za.
10. Scammers use prepaid phones. They will not have an older 082 or 083 number as they are always changing phones. (As some have pointed out this is not a very good indicator). Better yet ask if they have a land line at work you can call them on.
11. Scammers will not meet you in person in a safe place. (And for this reason they won’t list their location on their profile so they can claim to be in another province).
12. Scammers don't pay cash - they claim they will make a deposit or do an EFT. They then deposit a stolen cheque and fax you a forged deposit slip (the wonders of Tipex and a fax machine - Nick Leesen defrauded Bearings Bank of $6 billion using this technique). You need your bank to confirm (in writing) that the money is indeed cash deposited or an EFT transfer. (As some pointed out, this is not foolproof but it is the best method after cash).
13. Never, ever, ever, ever accept a cheque or a bank guaranteed cheque or cash cheque – in fact – if the word cheque is mentioned – make an excuse to have no further dealings.
14. Scammers try and make you perform first - i.e. you must pay first or deliver first - even though you have better references etc. They will normally try and do this near the end of the deal through putting some kind of pressure on you (e.g. threatening to call of the deal).
15. Scammers can be other sorts of criminals too - so inviting them to your house to view is only recommended if they 'fit the profile'.
16. Scammers are experts at feeding you bull. If the details and the deal keep changing get suspicious.
17. Scammers can produce references – they normally open a few accounts on the forum. None of references will have many posts etc.
18. If something (like the price) looks too good to be true - it is BECAUSE IT IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!
19. The police will not get you your stuff/money back. Scammers are professionals – they do this all day every day. Think how good you are at your job – that is how good they are not getting caught.
20. Scammers laugh their ass off every time they get someone – so please don't be a sucker.
Edited by Just Keep Pedaling, 27 January 2011 - 03:31 .
