Be aware of scams and fraud

Most people who use the internet and bflo4rnet.com have great stories to tell about their experiences with tenants, landlords and such, but we also receive occasional reports of scams and fraud. We've found that one of the best ways to avoid this problem is to keep all transactions local -- whenever possible, don't do business with anyone who is not in your local area. Use caution and common sense when dealing with any financial transaction: · DEAL ONLY WITH LOCAL BUYERS AND SELLERS! Most non-local inquiries are scams. · NEVER wire funds to a distant buyer, via Western Union or any other carrier · Be wary if the other party wants to use an escrow service such as BidPay or Squaretrade · NEVER give out personal financial information (checking account number, SSN, eBay/PayPal info, etc.) · trust your instincts, and always remember the most important rule -- BUYER BEWARE If you think you have been scammed, contact the non-emergency number for your local police department -- they may be able to offer advice about your options. Who should I notify about fraud? · FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357) · FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov) · Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501 · Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ifccfbi.gov/) If you suspect that an item posted for rent on bflo4rent.com may be part of a scam, please email the details to "abuse@bflo4rent.com". Be sure to include the URL and title in your message. Recognizing scams Most scams meet involve one or more of the following: · long-distance buyer or seller · offer includes a cashier's check, postal money order, Western Union, or escrow service (BidPay, Squaretrade, etc.) · refusal to meet face-to-face 1. distant seller requests payment via Western Union or MoneyGram: · seller often claims that an MTCN or confirmation code is needed before he can withdraw your money - this is FALSE, once you've wired money, it is GONE. · common items currently: laptops, plasma TVs, cell phones, tickets - but could be almost anything · common countries currently include: Nigeria, Romania, Ukraine, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands - but could be anywhere · deal often seems too good to be true 2. distant seller offers to send you a cashier's check and then have you wire money: · this is ALWAYS a scam, in our experience - the cashier's check is FAKE · sometimes accompanies an offer of merchandise, sometimes not · scammer often asks for your name, address, etc for printing on the fake check · deal often seems too good to be true 3. distant seller suggests use of an online escrow service. · most online escrow sites are FRAUDULENT, operated by scammers · for more info, do a google search on "fake escrow" or "escrow fraud" · if you must do business with a distant seller, insist on a legitimate service, such as www.escrow.com