Scam Alert
Beware of Internet Scams! Don’t be a Target!
Here are a few tips for safe online shopping from HeavyMachineryClassifieds.com. Practice these suggestions regularly, whether you are shopping on our site or any other website or via email, and it will save you from being another cyber victim.
- If a deal seems to be too good to be true, it is.
- If you don’t know the buyer/seller, investigate them thoroughly.
- If the other party pressures you to wire money or send a cashier’s check/money order immediately, do not do so, as it is untraceable, and therefore unrecoverable.
- If the selling party will not allow an inspection, or requires a deposit before an inspection, take extreme caution. Reputable sellers are more than happy to have you or someone you trust inspect the item before any money changes hands.
- Don’t be influenced by an extreme sense of urgency by the other party. A scammer will often try to pressure you into making a quick decision.
- If the buyer wants to pay with a cashier's check or money order made out for more than the selling price of the item, and wants you to return the change, do NOT oblige! The payment will "bounce" and you will be out both the item AND the cash you gave him/her.
- Take caution if the other party suddenly requires you to change the terms of payment after you have already struck a deal.
- REMEMBER! Never e-mail anyone your account numbers or social security number.
- Do not respond to e-mails asking for personal information, even if it looks like it came from a Web site you know or do business with.
- Do not click links inside of e-mails. Go directly to the website by typing the address into your Internet browser and logging-in. Criminals use this method, called "phishing" to steal your personal information.
- SLOW DOWN, take your time and research your purchase first - it could save you thousands of dollars!
WARNING: HeavyMachineryClassifieds.com does NOT offer any “Buyer Protection” programs or Guarantee/Warranty services. If you are instructed to send money to us as a part of any such program, do NOT do so. We provide paid advertising only, and we do not participate in any other facets of buy/sell transactions.
Also, be aware that HeavyMachineryClassifieds.com will not call or email you asking for proprietary information such as your username and password to the Web site. If you receive a phone call or email asking for that information, do not respond, and report the incident to HeavyMachineryClassifieds.com.
Please see OnGuard Online for more tips on how to protect yourself on the Internet.