I sold a computer online for $600. Is the money order going to be safe?

Question

I sold my Dell computer on Craigslist for $600. The to-be buyer says that he would pay through a money order and would pay the shipping to East Chicago in Indiana (exact words). I live in Atlanta. Should I trust it? I did ask for a USPS Money Order or Paypal, but he hasn't responded yet (I only did it about 5 minutes ago).

Should I trust it, and should the money order clear?

Answer 1

Not necessarily. Fake money orders can be sent. If it was going out of the country, I'd say odds were that it would be fake. In the country, you are probably more likely to be OK, but can't be sure. You could check with the post office and see if they can verify and cash the money order. If they can't, I wouldn't ship the computer until your bank can assure you it has cleared.

Not meaning to worry you. But there are so many scammers around that you just can't be sure.

Answer 2

nope dont' trust it - Accept cash only..
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You can sidestep would-be scammers by following these common-sense rules:

* DEAL LOCALLY WITH FOLKS YOU CAN MEET IN PERSON - follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99% of the scam attempts on craigslist.

* NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.

* FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and BANKS WILL CASH THEM AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE when the fake is discovered weeks later.

* CRAIGSLIST IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"

* NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number, eBay/PayPal info, etc.)

* AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that ONLY A SCAMMER WILL "GUARANTEE" YOUR TRANSACTION.