Protection from being scammed???

**heathcliff** · 03-04-2009 07:58 PM

Hello all,
Just wondering if anyone know of some things to look for to keep myself from being scammed. Actually looking at an already established business online for sale right now. The owner seems to be cool but im not really sure anymore. Ive checked alexa and i know that the site is real. Ive looked over all screenshots and what not but ive heard they can be doctored. I mean what the hell. Its really aggravating now that it is so easy for someone to be scammed online and there is nothing you can do about it when its done.

The owner told me if a put a certain figure down hed be willing to finance the rest over a certain period of time. He even says that he will come to my house and train me on how to do everything....even after me telling him he would only get the downpayment when he shows up at my door. What do you all think? What steps can i take at this point to make sure i dont get scammed.
Ps...ive gotten an email from someone the other day that i dont know telling me that he is a scammer...and it took me offguard..and the sad thing is i dont even know if believe him or not. Everything just seems right to me but i guess you never know. I mean if he was willing to come to my home before he got any money doesnt that show right there that he is for real??? I dont even know anymore and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

**Mega B** · 03-04-2009 08:07 PM

So can we have more details like the domain or is the site advertised on sitepoint or what ??? As you have mentioned Alexa means nothing and can be moved to the seller favour very easy.
Either you can post some details on the forum or PM me.

**akula** · 03-04-2009 08:26 PM

write up a contract and send him a note saying "please review this draft contract, correct it if need be and send it back to me with a photocopy of your driver's license or passport"

...most scammers back away when prompted for i.d.

**heathcliff** · 03-04-2009 08:30 PM

Mega B-pmd you. check it out if you get a chance.
thanks

**stand856** · 03-05-2009 11:05 AM

you can probably set up a escrow account that way you would put money in there for down payment and he would not be able to touch until a certain time which would be specified in the contract

**heathcliff** · 03-05-2009 11:29 AM

ok thanks yall for the responds.
Any way you can tell if screenshots have been doctored in anyway. If not what else would someone ask for in order to prove income?

**The Phantom Ghost** · 03-05-2009 11:34 AM

hey be care full amigo, the world is full of schammers...

the advise, get a contract? if its a blag they will make any paper wrok you wanna see.

Paying upfront? for a service that may not materialise?

Use your instinct... That should be the best tool to judge...

Aslo share info with members here if you wrong clearly retract statement, if you right we all slap them lol...

**Jynell** · 03-13-2009 10:59 AM

Prepare a written contractual agreement with terms and conditions to see if he is serious. I also would do a background check on both the business, as well as the owner. Look up from your local city entities as to whether there are any liens against the property and/or sited collections against the owner that you definitely do not want to inherit. Clearly, he may be wanting to "offload" the business opportunity to avoid liabilities.