Deal locally, face-to-face whenever possible —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.
Do not provide payment to anyone you have not met, conferenced with, or vetted beforehand.
Beware offers involving shipping – deal with locals is optimal.
Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) – anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.
Transactions are between members only, no third party provides a “guarantee”.
Never give out financial info (bank account, social security, paypal account, etc).
Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing “deal” may not exist.
Refuse background/credit checks until you have met with the member [e.g., a landlord, employer], conferenced with, or vetted beforehand.
“Association voicemails” – Any message asking you to access or check “Association voicemails” or “Association voice messages” is fraudulent – no such service exists.