Scams, SPAM and Harassment

ID #1028

How To Spot A Scam

Scammers: they're out there, and as much as we'd like to keep Metropolis Classifieds scam-free, we can't filter them all out, especially when the scammer is on the replying end of things. As a result, we ask that you, the users, be vigilant when responding to ads, and when dealing with people responding to your own ads. We've always requested that users be careful when agreeing to meet people they've met on our site (or on any online site for that matter), but now we'd like to provide you with some tips on how to avoid being scammed before the face-to-face/PayPal-to-PayPal/etc. meeting occurs. So, without further ado, HOW TO SPOT A SCAM...

Possible Signs You're Dealing with a Scammer

-a request for money in advance of you receiving the goods/moving in to a property

-the offering of expensive items for free, or at a discounted rate, on the condition that you pay large sums of money to cover travel, postage or courier costs

-the offering of purebred pets for free/cheap/adoption

-anything that seems too good to be true - it probably is

-poor grammar/spelling in ads written by supposed native speakers

-the use of strange phrasing, for example, ads where the user writes he is from “country, city,” (“I am from Northern Ireland, Belfast.”) In this case, proper format is “city, country,” (“I am from Belfast, Northern Ireland.”)

-factual mistakes in the ad text

-an unusual amount of detail about the user's country, etc., in the ad. For example, “I am from Canada. Did you know that Canada is the second biggest country in the world? We have lots of polar bears, moose and other animals. Canada also has two official languages, French and English. Bonjour!”

 Examples of Scam Ads

I am from California. こんいちわ はじめましって I am Justin I am from USA,California Send me email! Lets become friends,talk about hobbies and other!

CEO, COO, CFO or CIO? Beautiful passionate desirable JF knows what i want in life and will do whatever it takes to get it. You are single very successful caucasian to be incredible journey together anywhere in the world.

 Watch out for ads that have:

-odd punctuation – no spaces or double spaces

-random capitalization – capital letters at the beginning of words in the middle of sentences and/or no capitals at the beginning of words at the start of sentences.

Example of a Scam Reply

Hello.
My Name is --- I was impressed when i saw your profile at classifieds.metropolis.co.jp and i will like you to email me back to my inbox so that i can send you my picture for you to know who i am.i belive we can establishe a long lasting relation ship with you. In addition,i will like you to reply me through my private e mail box (-----). This is because i dont know the possibilities of remainning in forum for a long time.
Thanks,waiting to hear from you soonest.
----

Watch out for responses that:

-include the text “I was impressed when I saw your profile…” or something similar

-ask to drop items off at/have items delivered to a residence before the move-in date

-read like a form letter

-appear to have been translated using a computer program

**Beware of anyone who requests to pay using Western Union, MoneyGram or other similar methods. These are not payment methods meant for strangers, but rather for people who know each other. Metropolis cannot track users and we are unable to force users, both ad posters and those who respond, to make redress. Follow your instincts if something seems odd or if someone makes a strange request and end your correspondence. Metropolis is not responsible for any SPAM or harassment that users may receive/experience after posting their contact information on our site. Having said that, please alert us to any scams you experience. While we cannot go to the authorities for you, we can attempt to block the scammer from using our site.


**Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.


**Refunds for paid ads are not available under any circumstances. 

Tags: scam, scammer

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Last update: 2017-01-23 09:45
Author: Metropolis Classifieds
Revision: 1.2

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