CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - You have heard the term "Buyer Beware" before. But did you know that when it comes to selling goods online it is also "Seller Beware"?
On a given day, 10 million people are on eBay. Another auction site, Craigslist, has 50 Million people who use it. Cybercriminals are part of that number.
We have one viewer who was renting her house and she narrowly avoided being a victim. Former White House cybersecurity expert Theresa Payton explains how you can spot and avoid the scam and has provided tips on what to do if you have been a victim.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO SPOT THE SCAM
The "Owner" is far away
The "Owner" has an emergency which means they are offering lower than market rent or selling price
The "Owner" asks for money order, cashier's check or a wire transfer
Refusal to meet with you face to face or to allow you to tour the property before renting it
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
Click on the Craigslist ad in question. Ads are single-line text links in various categories. Clicking on a text link will open up the ad.
Click on the appropriate "flag" link. Flags are text links located in a box in the upper right-hand corner. Possibilities for flagging are "miscategorized," "prohibited," "spam/overpost," and "best of craigslist."
For cases of suspected fraud, click "prohibited." This will alert the Craigslist team to investigate this ad.
If you suspect fraud as a result of a Craigslist seller emailing you, go back to the ad and flag it.
RESOURCES
Craigslist Scam Advice: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams
Consumer Fraud Reporting About the Latest Scams: http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/
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