Ebay and Amazon are the most convenient and often the best way to sell the things that you do not need anymore. There are fraudsters, but those are only the buyers, so as a seller it is perfectly safe. Right? Wrong!
Marc Chouinard from Email Security Matters decided to conduct a study to see if he could catch any scams who were on the buying end. He positioned himself as a seller and posted an advertisement. Soon enough, someone contacted him who seemed less than trustworthy.
The schemer stated that he could not pick up the item himself, so he would send someone else to get it for him and send a money order in advance. Marc received the money order an entire month later for 2,000 Canadian dollars when the item had only cost 50 dollars. In the letter with the money order, the schemer says that the extra money is for the shipper who will pick up the item and that Marc should send the extra money to the shipper through the Western Union.
The question here is, who would trust a stranger with so much money? Only a criminal who had obtained the money illegally would let another person handle their money. If they are successful in persuading you to follow through with their instructions, you will unwittingly be drawn into their scheme. Unless you are able to prove your innocence to the law enforcement you will be considered equally guilty and given the same sentence as the criminal.
Money orders are generally more trusted by sellers than personal checks because checks can bounce. The amount on the money order is paid in advance, so the payment is certain. Money orders are a safer way to go, but it is important to wary of the frauds involved with the marketing industry.
Money orders also help protect your privacy. To take advantage of this reliable, easy, and faster way to pay your bills, visit Check City’s website. The service is free and you do not even need a checking account!
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