Peter Gariepy Posted June 2, 2023 Share Posted June 2, 2023 This message is for everyone who buys and sells cars and parts in the AACA forums. Please take a moment to read it carefully. Following these guidelines will help protect you and ensure safer transactions on the forum. KEY TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS: 1. Be Cautious of New Users: New members can’t send private messages until they’ve made at least 10 posts, a safeguard to deter scammers. If you receive a message from a new user be suspicious. 2. Verify Sellers Thoroughly: Just because someone responds to your ad doesn’t mean they are legitimate. It’s your responsibility to confirm their credibility. 3. Communicate Directly: Speak to buyers or sellers on the phone or, even better, meet in person. If that’s not possible, arrange a video call and ask them to show the car or part live. 4. Ask for Original Photos: Photos can be easily stolen online. To confirm authenticity, request photos with a unique identifier (like a business card or ID) in the image. 5. Don’t Send Money Without Certainty: Only transfer funds when you’re 100% sure the item is legitimate and will be delivered as promised. COMMON SCAMS TO AVOID: ✔ Don’t accept checks by mail. Cashier’s checks and money orders are frequently faked. ✔ Be wary of buyers asking for cash payments to drivers or shipping companies—this is a common scam tactic. FINAL REMINDER: Use common sense and stay vigilant. The forum and moderators will not verify the legitimacy of transactions for you—that’s your responsibility. When possible, deal locally and in person to avoid 99% of scams. By following these steps, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions in all your buying and selling activities here. 6 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Gariepy Posted June 2, 2023 Author Share Posted June 2, 2023 SCAM RED FLAGS: Paying heed to these red flags will prevent you from being scammed more often than not. The item/price is too good to be true (It probably is) They don't know anything about the item They can't talk on the phone They can't take photos The item is in another location They insist on ONLY communicating via email, text messages or other services like FB messenger or WhatsApp. Payment is their primary conversation and priority. Payment method is shady. (western union, bitcoin, etc.) Payment is to be sent via PayPal or a cash app, but to a different email or phone They want a downpayment NOW because they have another buyer they'll sell it to if you don't. They don't want a check mailed to them, ie because they wont give you an address It belongs to their long lost second cousin/grandmother/neighbor/friend They're in the military and the item is on a transport Seller pulls your heartstrings because they need the money They are unwilling to provide a tracking number as part of the sale 9 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Gariepy Posted Wednesday at 09:47 PM Author Share Posted Wednesday at 09:47 PM Please report all scammers: See red circle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts