AVOID INTERNET SCAMS
Avoid scams and fraud! Deals usually involving Moneygrams, Western Union, a wire transfer, cashiers check and money orders. Once you've wired money or mailed a money order it is unrecoverable.
NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, etc.)
DEAL LOCALLY or IN PERSON as much as possible. But when meeting someone for an Internet Sale:
1. Meet in public!
2. Bring a friend!
3. Tell someone WHO you're meeting and WHERE
IF A DEAL SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS!
Common Internet scam is to send you a fraudulent check or money order that exceeds the value of the item. They will want you to deposit the check and send them the difference. Their hope is that you will send them the money before your bank refuses the fraudulent check. Banks will often cash these fake checks AND HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, including criminal prosecution in some cases.
A seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which he will ship goods
 | he says he trusts you with the partial payment |
| he may say he has already shipped the goods |
| deal often sounds too good to be true |
Someone claims that Stenosearch.com will guarantee a transaction, certify a buyer/seller, OR claims that Stenosearch.com will handle or provide protection for a payment
| These claims are fraudulent, as Stenosearch does not have any role in any transaction. |
The scammer will often send an official looking email that appears to come from Stenosearch.com, offering a guarantee, certifying a seller, providing payment services -- these emails are fakes!
Report fraud or scam attempts to -
| Non-emergency number for your local police department. |
| FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) |
| FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov) |
| Canadian Phone Busters hotline: 888-495-8501 |
| Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/) |