"Praemonitus, Praemunitus" - Latin for "Forewarned is Forearmed." It means that knowledge in advance enables one to be prepared...

The iOffer team has worked hard to prevent fraud. But we can't do it alone. Sellers should follow the advice of ancient Romans to be prepared. Most buyers are honest and reasonable. However, just like in the offline world, this is not always true. Below is a summary of iOffer security features, safety tips for sellers, and information on additional online fraud resources.

iOffer Security Features

The iOffer rating system provides a numeric designation next to the User ID. This number consists of ratings left by both sellers and buyers. Pay particular attention to the type of rating (positive, negative, neutral) and comments from other sellers. For neutral and negative ratings, be sure to "get the whole story" by viewing the listing description, which contains a record of iOffer transaction (pre and post-sale) communications. It's also worthwhile to check out any buyer negative ratings received as a seller. Sometimes a buyer, who also sells, is your toughest customer. And remember the old adage, "there are two sides to every story".

As part of the iOffer rating system, a seller can leave a NPB (Non-Paying Buyer) rating for unpaid items. This serves two purposes. It allows the seller to receive credit for item FVF (Final Value Fee) and unused portions of Premium Listing Fee(s). And, a NPB rating alerts both sellers and iOffer to a problem buyer. Multiple NPB ratings can cause a buyer's account to be limited, suspended or terminated. More information on NPB refunds can be found at iOffer - Fees & Credit Policy.

iOffer is a fast growing trading community. Many buyers are newly registered (see "Member Since" in rating) and therefore have a low rating number. Although new to iOffer, the buyer may have extensive online trading experience. See if the buyer has a personal profile to obtain more information.

When attempting to purchase an item at asking price, newly registered buyers must complete "First-Time Buyer Verification". This helps to promote safe trading. Buyers are given the option to transfer their rating from another site (eBay, Amazon, or Yahoo!) or make an offer. Sellers may then accept, counter or decline the offer.

Listing an item for sale using iOffer negotiable pricing, puts the seller is in control of the transaction. You will have the opportunity to review all buyer offers. Offers can be evaluated based on many factors including price, payment method, rating, ship to location, and comfort level with the buyer.

And finally, it's very easy to ask buyer questions from the item description page. If the buyer doesn't respond or you're not comfortable with the answer, don't accept the offer.

Safety Tips for Sellers

In addition to using the iOffer security features described above, please consider the following common sense guidelines:

• Don't Ship Until Payment is Received ? Sellers should wait until payment has been received, and confirmed or cleared, before shipping item.
• Overpayment ? Do not accept a check payment exceeding sale amount. This could be a scam, particularly if buyer requests a refund for the overpayment.

• Insurance ? Insurance protects both buyer and seller, and should be offered for high value items.
• Tracking ? Although tracking (aka confirmation) does not insure an item against loss or damage, it does confirm ship and delivery dates. This feature is included with some carrier services and must be purchased with others. If used, be sure to keep record of tracking number.
• Payment Methods ? Be careful of buyers offering wire transfer payment. Accept personal checks, at your discretion, with a holding period. Mailed cash should also be accepted with discretion. Be aware that cashier's checks and money orders can be faked. If PayPal is accepted, ask the buyer to identify the PayPal account type and their buyer reputation number. For non U.S. buyers, be sure that PayPal is accepted in their country. PayPal also offers a Seller Protection Policy for accounts meeting specific guidelines. For more information, see PayPal Help .
• Escrow ? Escrow services act as middlemen for high priced items, holding the buyer's payment until item receipt and condition is confirmed. Beware of fraudulent escrow services!
• Fraudulent Emails and Websites ? Never respond to an email requesting account or credit card information. This is called ?phishing.? Also, be sure that sensitive information is not entered into a ?spoof? web site. Always check the URL.
• Off Site Trading - If you sell outside of iOffer, you will not have access to our security features.
• Documentation ? iOffer maintains transaction communications in the item description. However, there may be some post transaction emails, shipping notifications, payment receipts, etc. If so, be sure to maintain copies, in case you have a problem.

Additional Online Fraud Resources

Local Police (your area and the buyers')

Better Business Bureau ( www.bbb.org )

IFCC - Internet Fraud Complaint Center ( www.ifccfbi.gov )

Shipping Carrier ( www.usps.com , www.ups.com , www.fedex.com , etc.)

Anti-Phishing Working Group ( www.anti-phishing.org )

Federal Trade Commission ( www.ftc.gov )

PayPal Security Center