- It doesn't matter what is being sold: scammers have used the overpayment scam for cars, boats, horses, and accommodation;
- Never agree to a deal in which the buyer wishes to issue an amount for more than the agreed price, and expects you to reimburse the balance;
- Never accept a cheque or money order, and then turn around and send part of the money back;
- Don’t assume that the cheque or money order is legitimate just because your bank accepts it for deposit. It takes time to clear an overseas cheque;
- Always seek authorisation from the credit card issuer to ensure the card is not stolen;
- If they want to use an escrow company (a third party which holds the money until the item is delivered), select your own. Their “escrow company” may be bogus;
- Remember, these scammers are conmen and are expert at coming up with plausible reasons and excuses.
