Genuine buyers exist, of course, but beware if they offered more than your asking price, and asked to refund the difference to him or a third party, or pay for shipping or any other supposed expenses out of the difference. The cheque will invariably be a forgery, and the money you sent would be a real loss.

If you accept an offer, please take the check to the bank to verify its authenticity before releasing cars, parts, or excess funds. Most financial institutions require at least 10-15 business days before the check will clear; it is important to wait the full 15 days. An honest buyer won't mind the slight delay and will understand your desire to be cautious.

There are common factors:

•  Poor command of English.
•  Show little or no concern to the condition of the item they are purchasing.
•  The inquiring party asks few (or no) questions about the pets or supplies; i.e. condition, photos (even advertised on the site have photos), latest price, etc.
•  More worried about payment than the shipment of the item to them once payment is made.
•  You are immediately offered the full asking price or close to it.
•  Urgency.
•  Payment proposed to be by "cashier's check" for more than the advertised price.
•  Payment for "shipping" to be deducted from the "cashier's check".
•  Arrangements for delivery somewhere other than the inquirer's domicile - to "client" etc.
•  The use of free web-based email accounts; i.e.: yahoo, myway, fastermail, keromail, lycos. 10. References to Nigeria, well known as a base for net frauds [fewer lately].

Scammers are also beginning to change their tactics. Some are requesting account information such as routing numbers in order to (supposedly) wire funds. They might use your account information to submit online check to pay for other items. Please do not provide any information without checking first.

Scammers have also begun advertising very high-end cars (on the web) with an asking price that is too good to be true. Contact method in the ad is usually a Yahoo email address. Scammer then instructs buyer to wire, credit or mail a deposit to hold the car.

Please be very cautious with ads which:

1. Come from overseas.
2. Have an asking price that seems to good to be true.
3. Request a deposit be sent immediately.
4. Express a sense of urgency in making the transaction.

Sample Fraud Offer Email

These emails are some offers for a $300.00 fish with $70.00 shipping cost listed at PetsBid.com: I am to notify you my interest in buying your pet on behalf of my client for $400.I am an agent of 3 years experience.My Client has given me a quick to placed an order for your particular pet.I need to get in touch with you on the negotiations if you would accept a Money Order as a mode of payment.If yes,send your address phone & name.I am counting on your support in concluding this transaction within the shortest time,but my client is going to send you Money Order of an exess money which is $4000 you will deduct your pet fees there.and send the exess fund to my client Store Manager through Western Union the same day asap you receive the Money Order.My client store manager will use the money you are going to send to arrange the shipping .If you agree to send the excess to the store manager mail asap hello, I will like to inform you my intrest in your item and i will like to pay you through MONEY ORDER,i will pay you $350 including the shipping cost and all other expenses and also a money order of $3000 has already been signed for and that i want you to deduct your item money from it and send back the remaining amount to the receiver of the item..I want a quick response from you because i am really in need of the item urgently.Also i want the item posted out immidiately you get the Money Order and also make sure you get back to me as soon as possible with your name and address so the money order could be mailed out and Will be expecting your name and address so i can mail the money order out as fast as possible....SO GET BACK TO ME ASAP (from: importer_exporter4@yahoo.com)

If you find a fraud ad in PetsBid.com, please report to us at , to get it shut down so no victims lose money.

Useful links

Alerts & Counterfeits List:
http://www.bankersonline.com/security/aandc.html

Ways to verify a check include:
http://www.scamvictimsunited.com/counterfeit_cashier's_check.htm