Hi everyone,
Lately, I’ve been receiving more messages about people falling victim to scams while buying and selling dollhouses and miniatures on my Facebook group that I opened for this. (new Facebook group since Christmas 2024)
It’s frustrating and disheartening when you send money and never receive the product, so I wanted to share some tips on how to protect yourself and your hard-earned cash.
1. Research the Seller
Before making any purchase, do some background research on the seller. Check their profile, look for reviews or feedback from other buyers, and see if they have a reliable track record. If something feels off, trust your gut and proceed with caution.
2. Always Use Secure Payment Methods
Not all payment methods are created equal! To maximize your protection, use payment methods that offer buyer protection. Here are a few of the safest options:
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PayPal (Goods and Services): Using PayPal’s “Goods and Services” option is a solid way to protect your money. If you don’t receive your item or it’s significantly different from the description, you can file a dispute and potentially get your money back. Avoid using PayPal’s “Friends and Family” option, as it doesn’t offer any protection.
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Credit Cards: Many credit card companies offer buyer protection, allowing you to dispute charges if you never receive the item.
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Third-Party Marketplaces: Platforms like Etsy or eBay often have their own dispute resolution systems in place. This can be an extra layer of security if the transaction goes wrong.
3. Avoid Wire Transfers or Cash Payments
Sending money via wire transfer (like Western Union) or paying cash leaves you without any recourse if things go south. These methods are risky, and scammers often prefer them because they can easily disappear once the money is sent.
4. Get Everything in Writing
Make sure to document the transaction details, including the item description, agreed price, and any shipping terms. Keep copies of your communications with the seller just in case you need proof later.
5. If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
We’ve all been tempted by those “unbelievable” deals, but be cautious. Scammers often lure buyers in with prices that seem too good to be true. Remember, if it feels too perfect, it might be a red flag.
6. Use the Facebook Group ‘Search’ Feature
In this group, you can use the ‘Search’ button to look up the person’s name. If they’ve sold items before, you should be able to see their previous posts and get a sense of their reputation. If there’s no history or there are warning signs in past comments, that’s something to keep in mind before proceeding.
7. Ask for Additional Photos
A legitimate seller should be able to provide you with multiple, high-quality images of the item from different angles. Be wary of sellers who avoid sending extra photos or only use stock images, as this could be a sign of a scam.
An extra great tip from a member is: ask the seller to write today’s date in a piece of paper and photograph it with the item - to show proof they have it!
8. Use Tracking for Shipments
When purchasing or selling, insist on using a shipping service with tracking. This adds an extra layer of accountability and makes it harder for a seller to claim the item was sent when it wasn’t. Always ask for the tracking number and monitor the shipment's progress.
9. Watch for Unsolicited Offers
If someone approaches you with an unsolicited offer or deal, especially if you’re not actively looking to buy or sell, take extra care. Scammers often target people who aren’t expecting these kinds of messages, hoping to catch them off guard.
10. Meet in Person When Possible
If you’re buying or selling locally, consider arranging to meet in person to exchange the item and payment. This reduces the risk of fraud. Always meet in a safe, public place if you go this route.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already fallen victim to a scam, don’t panic! You can still take action:
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Contact your payment provider immediately and explain the situation. If you used a secure payment method like PayPal’s “Goods and Services,” you may be able to open a dispute and recover your funds.
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Report the scammer to the platform where the transaction occurred. Whether it’s through Facebook, Instagram, or a dedicated marketplace, reporting them can help prevent others from getting scammed.
A Note from Your Moderator
With all due respect, as the moderator of this group, I want to remind everyone that I am not responsible for scammers or individual transactions that take place here. While I do my best to keep this community safe and enjoyable for all 25,000 (and counting!) members, it would be impossible for me to 'investigate' everyone who joins. I kindly ask for your understanding and encourage you to follow these steps to protect yourself.
Stay safe, and happy miniatures shopping!
Lizzy
