Avoiding Scams

Deal locally, face-to-face —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.

Scams come in various forms, from people trying to steal your identity to those who are out to take your money. Whether you’re browsing online or in the real world, it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips for avoiding scams.

1. Be cautious of offers that are too good to be true. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re presented with an offer that seems too good to be true, take a step back and do some research before getting involved.

2. Don’t give out personal information. Be wary of giving out personal information, such as your Social Security Number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers. If you’re asked to provide your personal information, make sure you know who you’re giving it to and why.

3. Be aware of online scams. Be cautious when using the internet, particularly when it comes to clicking on links or downloading files. Be sure to research any website before you provide your information or click on something.

4. Use secure payment methods. When making online payments, be sure to use secure methods such as PayPal or a credit card. This will help ensure that your information is kept safe.

5. Research the company. If you’re considering doing business with a company, take the time to research them first. Look for reviews and check out the company’s history. This will help you ensure that they are reputable.

6. Be wary of unsolicited emails. Avoid responding to emails, texts, or phone calls from people you don’t know. They may be trying to scam you or get you to provide personal information.

7. Don’t pay upfront. If you’re asked to pay money upfront for a product or service, be wary. It’s best to research the company first and make sure you’re dealing with a reputable business.

More specific:

• Do not provide payment to anyone you have not met in person.
• Beware offers involving shipping – deal with locals you can meet in person.
• Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) – anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
• Don’t accept cashier/certified checks or money orders – banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible.
• Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a “guarantee”.
• Never give out financial info (bank account, social security, PayPal account, etc).
• Do not rent or purchase sight-unseen—that amazing “deal” may not exist.
• Refuse background/credit checks until you have met landlord/employer in person.
• “BOS voicemails” – Any message asking you to access or check “BOS voicemails” or “BOS voice messages” is fraudulent – no such service exists.

By taking the necessary steps to protect yourself, you can help avoid scams and keep your personal information safe. Be aware of potential scams and never give out personal information unless you’re sure it’s safe to do so.

Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?

If you are defrauded by someone you met in person, contact your local police department.

If you suspect that a BOS post may be connected to a scam, please send us the details.

Recognizing scams 

Most scams attempts involve one or more of the following:

Email or text from someone that is not local to your area.

Vague initial inquiry, e.g. asking about “the item.”

Poor grammar/spelling.

Western Union, Money Gram, cashier check, money order, Paypal, Zelle, shipping, escrow service, or a “guarantee.”

Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face to complete the transaction.

Examples of Scams

1. Someone claims your transaction is guaranteed, that a buyer/seller is officially certified, OR that a third party of any kind will handle or provide protection for a payment: These claims are fraudulent, as transactions are between users only. The scammer will often send an official looking (but fake) email that appears to come from BOS or another third party, offering a guarantee, certifying a seller, or pretending to handle payments.
2. Distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier’s check: You receive an email or text (examples below) offering to buy your item, pay for your services in advance, or rent your apartment, sight unseen and without meeting you in person. A cashier’s check is offered for your sale item as a deposit for an apartment or for your services. Value of cashier’s check often far exceeds your item—scammer offers to “trust” you, and asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service. Banks will cash fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, sometimes including criminal prosecution. Scams often pretend to involve a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate, etc.).
3. Someone requests wire service payment via Western Union or MoneyGram: Deal often seems too good to be true, price is too low, or rent is below market, etc. Scam “bait” items include apartments, laptops, TVs, cell phones, tickets, other high value items. Scammer may (falsely) claim a confirmation code from you is needed before he can withdraw your money. Common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, UK, Netherlands—but could be anywhere. Rental may be local, but owner is “travelling” or “relocating” and needs you to wire money abroad. Scammer may pretend to be unable to speak by phone (scammers prefer to operate by text/email).
4. Distant person offers to send you a cashier’s check or money order and then have you wire money: This is ALWAYS a scam in our experience—the cashier’s check is FAKE. Sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not. Scammer often asks for your name, address, etc. for printing on the fake check. Deal often seems too good to be true. 
5. Distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service: Most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT and operated by scammers. For more info, do a google search on “fake escrow” or “escrow fraud.” 
6. Distant seller asks for a partial payment upfront, after which they will ship goods: He says he trusts you with the partial payment. He may say he has already shipped the goods. Deal often sounds too good to be true.
7. Foreign company offers you a job receiving payments from customers, then wiring funds: Foreign company may claim it is unable to receive payments from its customers directly. You are typically offered a percentage of payments received. This kind of “position” may be posted as a job, or offered to you via email.