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Whats the best way to send a payment?

StickyTongues

StickyTongues

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What do you guys think are some of the best ways to send payment to someone so that you are protected against scams? I am about to purchase a $2000 dollar boa and want to make sure I have everything covered so that I don't get caught in a scam.

I had the seller email me his states drivers license, copy of utility bill, and a receipt with his signature on it before I would send him the money. I was thinking Western Union because this guy needed the money ASAP, which is the reason for being suspecious. Good things come to those who wait right? LOL

Anyway I heard that it would be considered a federal offense if you western union money to someone and got scammed. Is that true? Would it be safe to send money order?

I've never used anything but credit cards and Paypal for all my purchases and not familiar with sending money any other way. So not sure what is the best way to protect myself.

Would be nice to hear from some people who have been scammed so I would know what to look out for. Thanks all in advance.

Sam Leam
 
To CYA I'd use a postal money order and send it overnight via the USPS with a signature request. This way if there is anything shady going on you'll have the post office to turn to if things go south. I believe with Western Union anyone can pick up the money provided they have the correct phrase and answer needed. This person could send anybody in to retrieve the money.
 
Sam,
Western Union is the payment method of choice for scammers as you have almost zero protection. I'm not saying your seller is one, just that it leaves you wide open for abuse.

The best protection for you would be a payment via USPS Postal Money Order. If he needs it fast, send it overnight. With this payment type, you do have the backing of the Federal Government.

Of course a credit card payment also protects you (depending upon the features inherit in the card plan and your bank) but not everyone can accept credit cards directly.

Paypal doesn't guarantee purchases on live animals so you really don't have any protection there.

The Postal Money Order is your best bet.

Good luck.
 
I agree with David. Pay him with as many postal money orders as needed (is $500 still the maximum?), keep the copy's and send them overnight (keep the tracking #)

I had the seller email me his states drivers license, copy of utility bill, and a receipt with his signature on it before I would send him the money.
Click to expand...

You should probably ask the same from him. It's only fair as it is you and not him that's sending money.

Regards.
 
This brings up a question I've had...do people who've been scammed successfully get their money refunded if they've used a postal money order? I realize the legal advantages, but what's the enforcement situation like?
 
Yes it did for me Terese,

a few years ago I was sent two dead carpets that had been dead for a while.I posted all the info on the BOI.But I used Postal money orders and my Postmaster was awesome in helping me get my moneys back it did take a longtime like almost 6 months but I did get all my money back.

He told me it didnt matter what I bought if I used a Postal Money order that if I didnt get what I paid for it was considered MAil Fraud.Plus I had all of our emails and everything so it went smooth as can be just a little lengthy but it all worked out.
 
ms_terese said:
This brings up a question I've had...do people who've been scammed successfully get their money refunded if they've used a postal money order? I realize the legal advantages, but what's the enforcement situation like?
Click to expand...

That is a great question. I have repeatedly heard the US Postal Money Order bit about it being the best way to go and why. Yet I have never actually seen anyone post that they got their money back when ripped off or even that the Post Office had really done anything to the person who ripped people off. So I am not so sure if the Post Office money orders are really anything more than a placebo.

Personally, I will not make any online purchases with anything but a credit card. If the person/business does not accept credit cards, at least through Pay Pal, then I take my business elsewhere. For me, it is just not worth the potential for problems and it leaves you completely at the mercy of the seller. No thanks.
 
dself40 said:
a few years ago I was sent two dead carpets that had been dead for a while.I posted all the info on the BOI.But I used Postal money orders and my Postmaster was awesome in helping me get my moneys back it did take a longtime like almost 6 months but I did get all my money back.

He told me it didnt matter what I bought if I used a Postal Money order that if I didnt get what I paid for it was considered MAil Fraud.Plus I had all of our emails and everything so it went smooth as can be just a little lengthy but it all worked out.
Click to expand...

Good to hear, dself. You are the first person I have ever heard report this info. Thanks.
 
As much as people hate accepting them, I've always preferred checks if I can't use V/MC or PayPal. Most people will wait until they clear, which is fine. However, I've always felt that my bank is going to be much more responsive if I raise hell with them than the Post Office would be.

Hopefully (fingers crossed), I won't ever have to find out!
 
So looks like Postal Money order is the way to go. Since this purchase is $2000 I can't get any protection more than $1000? That sucks. I might have to go with my credit card then if he accepts it.

What happens if I send credit card payment through paypal to a new paypal user? If I get scammed do I just call my credit card company?

Sam Leam
 
Sam,
That would depend upon the terms set forth by your credit card company.
You need to check that out first because you will have no protection via paypal (especially with a new user) most likely he would not have had time to get verified.

I don't think you would be limited to $1000.00 by USPS. My understanding is that is just the most you can do with a single money order. If you purchase two for $1000.00 each and the deal goes south, you should still be able to collect the $2000.00

Have you checked out this seller on the BOI?
At the very least, post an inquiry and see if anyone else has had any dealings with him.

Hope this helps.
 
Sam,

If you decided to go with MO, there is no limit as to how you can buy. You can buy two for $1,000 each for example, even at the same post office.

Regards.
 
Yea I guess I should have mentioned that I have made purchases when there was a 500 dollar limit and I had to buy 4 or 5 money orders and it doesnt matter how many you have to buy it is still the same policy Mail fraud just on a bigger scale.And acutaly they are more aggressive on the bigger dollar amount .Cause you go from misdemenor(sp) to felony counts.I always try and use a money order if it is someone I dont know or havent dealt with before.And the paperwork is a breeze for fileing mail fraud.Just make sure you keep all emails and anything you have on whoever it is in case the deal does go south.
 
I had the seller email me his states drivers license, copy of utility bill, and a receipt with his signature on it before I would send him the money.
Click to expand...

Sam,

Sorry I misread your post. You already have all his information. If he agreed to all that I would say you are OK. That, plus the fact you are sending a postal MO would pretty much cover yourself.

Good luck!
 
I actually decided to fly out there to pick it up. They got the animal from a friend and I'm afraid they don;t know much about shipping. I would be scared that they screw up and this animal ends up dying in transit.

I'd rather spend a few hundred to get her safe with me. Funny thing is they pretty much stopped returning my calls and emails after I offered to meet them at the airport. I guess its for the best.

Don't these scammers ever think of the consequences? Dammit was such a good deal. Guess it was too good to be true.

Sam Leam
 
I think it's time that you identify these people on the BOI. You will likely save someone else a $2000.00 mistake. At the very least, post an inquiry and see what comes up.
 
I don't want to drag this guys name in the mud just yet but if he doesn't reply back to me by tomorrow I will post all the emails I have form this guy. I'll give him another shot but I'm not holding my breath.

Sam Leam
 
I agree with Mike...the next person may not be so diligent...please post the name and contact information, and simply describe the events. Others can decide for themselves if they want to take the risk.

Is the ad still running, or is the snake considered sold at this point?

Just out of curiosity, can you tell us what kind of animal you were going to shell out the $2k for?
 
Ok you guys are either going to laugh or slap me on this one but it was for a sharp strain albino female from reptibid. I was crossing my fingers because it sounds too good to be true.

I was not expecting this guy to send me everything I asked for but he agreed so I did'nt have a reason not to trust him except his insisting on getting the money ASAP ASAP ASAP ASAP.

I'll post his name tomorrow if it doens't work out, which I am sure it won't.

Sam Leam
 
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