Protecting Yourself From Fraud

Unfortunately, there are a few unsavory people on the web, so here is what you can do to help avoid them as much as possible

• We (BoatsWest.com or any of our affiliates) do not offer any kind of payment protection, buyer/seller protection, warrantees.
• Use your intuition. If you don't feel right about sending your money, then don't .
• Try and buy locally. That way you can inspect and know what you are getting. This will also help to develop relations with the seller.
• Avoid sending cash, cashiers checks, wiring money (money orders). These forms of payment are very difficult to track, and will decrease your chances of recovering it if.
• Deal with reputable companies for transport, escrow, payment acceptance, or whatever companies or parties may be 'assisting' with the trasaction.
• Use a reputable escrow company with a history.
• Account information is password-protected. Keep your password safe. We will never ask you for your password, or any personal information that you have not already given us.
• Pay using a credit card. Most credit cards have some sort of protection when it comes to online purchaces and this is one of the most common and safest form of payment. Check your provider for more details on the protection they offer.
• Try 'googling' the dealer/seller or any service recommended to you. You never know what you may discover!

Here are a few common tactics scammers will use:

• Phishing
  Emails asking for bank accounts, credit card information, social security numbers, various personal data. They may pose as us or another affiliated company. They may tell you to email them the information, of give you a website link. We will never ask you for your password, or any personal information that you have not already given us.
• 'Overpayment' scam
  The buyer will tell you that they have a cashiers check/money order in an amount greater than your asking price, and that they would like you to refund the overpayment amount to them. Beware! It can take up to 30 days before a bank will notify you that the payment was not valid.
• 'Sounds familiar' or Cloaking
  This when scammers will use a familiar name, website, or company as a cover for their operation. Double check the name or website address for spelling and accuracy. Even If you are familiar with the company, do some research!
• Transaction 'Assistance' Companies
  The person with the listing may not be the one who is trying to scam you. Check up on transport companies, escrow services, payment acceptance companies, etc. before sending them your money.

Your best bet is to gather as much information about the seller as you can, they should have nothing to hide if they are legitamite. The more information you have about the seller, the less likely they will be able to complete the transaction. Feel free to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Thank you for using BoatsWest.com!