SAFE PAYMENT METHODS
You may be limited by the payment methods the seller has indicated they will
accept, but here is some information on which ones are likely to be safer
options, and why others may be less so.
Safer options
-
Paypal
This is recognised and well-established brand that deal with numerous
transactions a day. They allow you to keep your financial details (eg bank
account details) private from the other party and also provide proof of
purchase.
-
Cheque or Money Order
These methods provide proof of purchase and may allow you to suspend the
payment if things don't go to plan.
-
Bank Deposit
If you have the seller's bank details, then transferring cash through your bank
will provide a record of the transaction.
-
Cash on Delivery
You do not pay for the item until it is delivered, therefore this is a less
popular option with sellers. However they do receive proof of payment.
-
Escrow services
These are third-party services that hold the money until you receive delivery
of the goods. Be sure to look into reputable services before you use this
payment option.
Not so safe options
-
Money transfer services (eg Money Gram and Western Union) -
These are often used to quickly transfer money overseas to another person. As
fraudulent sellers have been known to use these services to scam buyers, they
are not recommended for payments to people you don't know and trust.
If you want to make a purchase online without divulging your financial details,
consider using PayPal
-
Cash in the mail - Cash in the mail can easily get lost and
provides you with no proof of payment if it goes astray.
10 tips for paying safely
-
Only use a payment method you feel comfortable with. Just
because the seller does not offer an alternative option initially in their ad
does not mean they won't accept it.
-
Use a method of payment that provides you with proof of purchase
(such as a confirmation email, receipt etc) and keep a record of your purchase.
-
Be wary of a seller who will only accept payment via a money transfer
service. We do not recommend these services for payments to
people you do not know and trust.
-
Be wary if a seller recommends an escrow service.
Fraudsters have been known to scam buyers by using non-existent escrow services
or faking correspondence from legitimate escrow services e.g receipts, emails.
Make sure you check out the service before you agree to use it.
-
If you are transacting with buyers or sellers overseas,
use extra caution.
-
If you are buying or selling an expensive or rare item take particular car.
Scammers may target these items more.
-
Contact the seller before you pay. This will help you
check that you have their correct contact details.
-
Don't use money transfer services
(eg Western Union of Money Gram) to send a payment to someone you do not know.
These services themselves even recommend against using them for payments like
these.
-
Don't send cash in the mail.
Report fraud!
Please email us at service@shop4assets.com immediately
if:
-
there has been unauthorised activity on your account
-
you received invalid contact information from another buyer or seller
-
you have not received an item you purchased, or the item was not as described
-
you believe a buyer or seller is not genuine.
|
