How do I avoid getting scammed?

[enwar3]

This is going to be a person-to-person transaction. I'm going to send him money through PayPal, he's going to send me my item. I realize that this is going to be mainly a honor system dealie, but I want to take every precaution possible. What kind of information should I get from him? Should I ask for delivery confirmation or a tracking number or whatever it is USPS offers?

 

[dbk]

Does the guy have heatware or eBay feedback? You could ask him to ship using UPS or Fedex as they provide better tracking than USPS. If he's going to send via USPS, I guess delivery confirmation should be standard - it's only like $.65 more.

 

[enwar3]

Nope... we're both high schoolers lol. What exactly does delivery confirmation do? Do I get a number to track? Or he gets a number to see when I get it? (I don't see the use of the latter)

 

[Regs]

If it's on honor, then I think he should give you the item first.

The value of an item is more eaisly replaced than cold hard cash.

 

[Colt45]

big money item?

 

[dbk]

Originally posted by: enwar3
Nope... we're both high schoolers lol. What exactly does delivery confirmation do? Do I get a number to track? Or he gets a number to see when I get it? (I don't see the use of the latter)

Delivery confirmation for USPS just tells you when it's shipped, in transmit, and when it's delivered. Yes, he receives a number that you can use to track through usps.com

 

[George P Burdell]

Pay by money order, ask him to ship after he receives the money.

 

[jackace]

If its a large enough item you could get an intermediary involved. Not sure if thats the official name, but you send them the money once they get the money they inform the seller and he ships the item. Once you receive the item and confirm its as described you release the money. They can be costly though so not sure if its an option for you.

 

[enwar3]

It's called an escrow I think...

And it's just a 70 dollar item.... I think I trust this guy. Just want to be reassured a bit...

 

[vshah]

where/how did you get in touch with him??

 

[enwar3]

Craigslist. I called him today.

 

[vshah]

craigslist should start using heatware...

 

[EagleKeeper]

If they use USPS, make sure the item is insured.

That will require a signature on your end to get the item.
Using Paypal ensures that have some control on the payment.

A USPS money order mailed to them would be the next best - in case of fraud, the government may provide some leverage.