Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

Much of our purchasing now takes place online. Some sites such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace allow you to buy merchandise from other users. 

When you use these sites, make sure that you protect yourself and reduce the risk of being scammed. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your money safe:

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Items priced seriously below cost are a red flag, as are elaborate stories about something being sold or given away. You are buying an item and do not need to get a life story. 
2. Ask questions about the condition of the item but know that items are usually sold “as is.”
3. Never pay or communicate outside of the platform you are using. The payment platforms track users, so any offer to avoid the platform’s suggested payment methods or communications channels indicates that the seller is hiding something
4. When paying, use the method suggested by the platform. Do not use payment methods designated for “friends and family,” third-party gift cards, or methods that cannot be reversed.
5. If you are purchasing an item with cash, meet in a public location.

These tips can help you have a successful buying experience.

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For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts#One-Step-Ahead.