How to Protect Yourself from Scams

  • Meet in person whenever possible. Most scams can be avoided by handling the transaction face to face. This single step eliminates the majority of fraudulent activity online.
  • Never send money through wire services. Avoid Western Union, MoneyGram, or any type of money transfer. These are almost always scams, and once the money is gone, it cannot be recovered.
  • Be cautious with cashier’s checks. Only accept checks drawn from local U.S. banks and never release your item until your bank confirms the funds have cleared. Counterfeit cashier’s checks are common and can leave you responsible for the loss.
  • Cash is safest. When possible, use cash and draw up a simple written agreement for the sale. Ask for a valid, government-issued ID (like a driver’s license) and make a copy for your records.
  • Avoid “guaranteed” offers or escrow services. Fake escrow websites and promises of “guaranteed transactions” are red flags. Stick to simple, direct transactions.
  • Protect your personal information. Never share banking details, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information.

⚠️ Important Note: CajunSwapShop.com is not involved in your transactions. We do not collect payments, act as a middleman, or request your personal or financial details. If you receive any message claiming otherwise, it is fraudulent.

Where to Report Fraud or Suspicious Activity

  • FTC Hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
  • FTC Online: www.ftc.gov
  • Your local police department: 911

How to Spot a Scam

  • If someone sends a check for more than your asking price and asks you to wire back the difference, it’s a scam.
  • If someone insists a cashier’s check is safe or “guaranteed,” it’s almost certainly fake. Only deal in person, with cash, in a public place.
  • If an offer involves shipping, foreign buyers, or escrow guarantees, be extremely cautious. Many scams come from outside the U.S. (commonly Nigeria, Romania, U.K., Ukraine, Spain, Italy, or the Netherlands).
  • If a buyer or seller pressures you to send money upfront or make a down payment, walk away immediately.
  • If someone claims to be traveling, relocating, or using a “shipping agent” and needs you to wire money, it’s fraudulent.
  • Poor grammar, broken English, or suspicious foreign accents in emails are common scam indicators.

👉 Golden Rule: If it feels too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with local, in-person, cash transactions and document everything with a simple bill of sale.

Examples of Common Scam Tactics

Scammers often use the same tricks over and over. Watch out for:

  • Buyers who offer to pay more than your asking price and request the extra money back.
  • Claims that a “client” will send you a large check, with instructions to forward part of it to a shipper or third party.
  • Messages from overseas “buyers” promising to arrange shipping if you’ll just accept their check.
  • Requests for your full name, address, phone number, or other personal details before any deal is finalized.

Bottom line: never send money back, never accept overpayments, and never trust “guaranteed” transactions.