Unfortunately, scammers are all too common these days. Here's some warning signs to avoid becoming a victim.
Is there a Craigslist ad offering to sell something?
If the seller mentions a loved one recently passing, it's called the "sympathy scam."
Does the seller mention being a missionary or a disabled veteran? It's dubbed the "conveniently gone" warning.
If a seller isn't available to show you a nonexistent item they're selling and instead they'll be finishing the deal through Amazon it's called the "ease your mind" warning. Scammers like to use real companies to make the deal sound more legitimate. Neither Amazon, Ebay nor Paypal do not operate this way.
Finally, the buyer was instructed to send "$2,900 via money gram." I called it "Money gram, money gone." Sending money this way or wiring through Western Union is like giving the scammer cash with no accountability. This buyer lost her money.
Don't let a good deal blind you to the obvious warning signs it's a rip-off.
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