Equipment Trader is a marketplace for classified adverts to be placed by sellers of equipment, spares or parts related to various manufacturing industries. In order for a buyer to buy your product they will need to contact you direct. In this case we offer some tips and information to help you safeguard yourself against common mistakes and fraud schemes.
- Ensure you can provide the buyer with all the necessary information about the item you are selling.
- Ensure that item is accessible for the buyer to view.
- Keep the buyer in plain sight when they come to visit you.
- Opt for EFT payments as opposed to cash whenever possible. It is simply safer.
- Ensure funds are physically cleared in your bank account before letting goods go. Proof of payments can be forged.
- Don’t be pressured into releasing your items or goods – a genuine buyer does not mind waiting until the funds are reflecting on your side and cleared.
- As a seller please make sure you are only ever advertising genuine products and genuine prices. If EquipmentTrader learns of any suspicious activity we reserve the right to remove your products from our classified website and retain any and all funds you may have spent on advertising the same.
What to do if you think you’re a victim of a scam:
Immediately contact your bank and engage them to reverse any payment you may have made by EFT.
Should you encounter any suspicious activity by a buyer/seller you can also contact Crime Line by sending an SMS to ‘32211’ or contact the police directly.
You can call 10111 or visit www.saps.gov.za to report scams.
Buying and selling manufacturing equipment can be safe and easy, as long as you are cautious and take reasonable steps to avoid common mistakes and protect yourself against fraud.
