General Information - Fraud

1. Who do I contact if I suspect an ad is a scam or an attempt to defraud customers?

Please contact us at member_services@mcclatchyinteractive.com, and provide us with the URL to the ad in question.

2. What if I believe that I am a victim of fraud?

If you believe that you are a victim of fraud, please contact us at at member_services@mcclatchyinteractive.com, and provide us with the URL to the ad in question.

• FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
• FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
• Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov)
• Non-emergency number for your local police department.

3. What are some forms of fraudulent ads?

• Ads that sell pets for a small fee or are free when they normall sell for a large amount of money.
• Cars that sell for large amounts of money that are being sold at small rate.

4. What are things that potentially fraudulent buyers do?

• Ask you to wire money into their account.
• Say they will pay you half of what's due before they receive the item, and half payment afterwards.
• Buyer offers high-value (but fake) cashier's check in exchange for your 'for sale item' The value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item and the buyer asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service. Banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR . Scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money). We would strongly discourage you from wiring money.
• Pay with an international credit card or cashier's check.
• Will not provide you a verifiable US telephone number.
• Place large orders to be sent to a foreign location.
• Recommend an unfamiliar escrow or payment service.