Internet Trading

Make Private, In-Person Business Transactions Safely

By Dr. Rich Austin

Each year, millions of dollars are spent on internet-initiated business transactions between private parties for various goods. Sometimes, people are simply looking for a more profitable market in which to sell an item, while others build side businesses out of this type of market. Unfortunately, not all buyers and sellers are legitimate. Many scam artists skim internet sites for opportunities to cheat victims out of their hard-earned money or goods, if not worse. However, there are telltale signs to look for and steps you can take to reasonably protect yourself from scams. While not exhaustive, here are some simple steps you can take to make these types of transactions safer.

Guard your personal information. If you decide to set up a transaction, do not allow strangers to meet you at your home or workplace or share account or other personal information. If a transaction becomes problematic, ensure that the other party can only contact you via the platform on which you met.

Be cautious of any portion of a transaction that seems irregular. One common scam involves an “accidental” overpayment in the form of a check by the buyer. The “buyer” then requests that the seller send them the overage in an alternate form of payment. This scam may involve a fraudulent or stolen check, which may not be detected until long after the perpetrator is gone with your money and/or merchandise. While most of us want to be polite, be ready to quickly cancel a transaction if something doesn’t seem right.

And while being on guard for unsavory activities is prudent, it’s even more important to protect your personal safety. Be very careful if you decide to meet in person to make a transaction, especially if you are expected to arrive with expensive items or cash. Don’t be lured into a robbery (or worse).

If you decide to meet someone you do not know, you should set the meeting place yourself. Tell a friend when and where you are meeting or ask someone to go with you. Meet in a well-lit public place. Be wary of people who want to meet late at night or at a private residence or remote location. Consider meeting at a place such as a busy shopping center or coffee shop. Better yet, many police agencies, including the Milton Police Department, offer specific locations at the police station for citizens to meet for such transactions. These areas are typically video recorded, which adds a level of comfort and safety to the transaction.

Buying and selling items between private parties can be a great way to gain maximum value for your product or perhaps find a great deal on an item. Just make sure to be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t seem right. And if you think that someone is attempting to scam you, reach out to your local police department. Above all, be safe! No product or amount of money is worth your safety and well-being.