How to Protect Yourself and Help AVOID Scams

[OakleyBoss]

These rules are general guidelines on how to protect yourself from scams when dealing online - whether on OakleyForum.com or elsewhere! Remember that you are generally proceeding at your own risk so do your due diligence!!

When Buying / Trading

• Ask for clear pictures with their username on a piece of paper or something else to prove its not stolen/stock photos.
• Ask for the sellers address. Check www.anywho.com to find out if they live where they say they live.
• Ask for their phone number / some other contact info to talk with them besides online - most scammers aren't willing to get on the phone
• Use common sense - if it seems too good to be true...it probably is!
• Be extra careful with a brand new member on any site!
• Use PayPal Goods & Services - Don't get left losing hundreds of dollars because you were too cheap to pay 3%
• Do not pay via wire transfer, bank check etc. unless you 110% trust the seller, their is no undo button for these methods
• Be specific about which shipping method will be used, when they will ship and ask for the tracking number!
• Don’t ask for the seller to do anything illegal (i.e. reduce value for customs reasons internationally)
• Google the member’s username and real name if you have it online. See what comes up!
• If you don't feel comfortable with dealing with someone, WALK AWAY
• Beware of phishing scams - do not sign into website links sent to you by someone, they can often be fake versions of a site used to get your username/password

When Selling

• Read feedback, Ask for references, Google their username
• If they provide another username (e.g eBay), contact them on their and confirm its the same user, they could be trying to piggyback off someone else's good name
• Use PayPal Goods & Services - Don't get left losing hundreds of dollars because you were too cheap to pay 3%
• Post clear pictures of the sunglasses and lenses including close up shots of any blemishes/cracks so everyone agrees on the condition
• Post pictures with your username on a piece of paper to prove you actually own the items you are selling
• Only ship once being paid
• When shipping be specific on the method, insure the package and pay for tracking so you know where it is at every stage
• Don’t do anything illegal (i.e. reduce value for customs reasons internationally)
• Be extra careful with a brand new member on any site!
• Make sure you indicate whether or not you are willing to accept returns and under what conditions
• Google the member’s username and real name if you have it online. See what comes up!
• If you don't feel comfortable with dealing with someone, WALK AWAY
• Beware of phishing scams - do not sign into website links sent to you by someone, they can often be fake versions of a site used to get your username/password

Feel free to post any other tips you have in the thread below. Note any posts referencing specific users/people in this thread will be deleted. This is for general tips/guidance.