Protecting Yourself From Fraudsters When Shipping Packages!
keyman64
Posts: 15,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
Okay, I have learned a few things from the eBay Threads, the PayPal Dispute Threads, Lost in Mail Threads, Package wasn't packaged well threads, Mail Insurance Claim Threads, Rip-Off Threads saying an empty package was received etc etc etc.
After reading enough of these threads, I decided to learn something and try to protect myself the best way I know how so that I have peace of mind. I do not sell/ship things very often but I figured I should take some precautions whenever I do. Maybe a few of you will have an interest in what I did?
It starts with good documentation/PMs/Emails/Searches on the person's name or eBay or Forum handle for fraud... with the buyer.
Once payment is received...
...and you know where the package is going, go to Google street view to see where the package is going just fyi
...and most times you can pull up the property tax records from the county to see if the owner of the home(at least the last name) is the person you are shipping it to...
Those steps are not needed and sometimes it is a PO Box or Mailboxes Etc type place or apartment or business...but still interesting to see some times.
Then you need to get a pen, a merchandise mailer(cardboard thing to slide slabs into but don't put it in just yet!...we will get to that), a printed out invoice that details the item sold, where the coin is going and where it is coming from, and the merchandise itself...in my case today just one PCGS Slabbed Coin....and then you need to get one more thing before going to the post office...
Now this is where I have learned a great deal from others here on the forums and this is where some people might think I go WAY OVER THE TOP to protect myself from people that commit fraud, insurance fraud, lie about empty packages, etc etc etc... I OWN A SMALL GO PRO VIDEO CAMERA that I put to VERY GOOD USE! The video camera is AWESOME, it will take still photos, HD Video, Regular Format Video and Slow Motion HD Video. It is small and runs about $300 if I recall but I also bought it with a Chest Mount Strap, Bicycle Mount, Car Mount, Bicycle Helmet Mount, etc...
Now you need to drive to the post office with these things. When you get out of the car with your items(Pen, Invoice, Merchandise Mailer Cardboard, Coin and video camera) turn on the camera. Show all of the items you have to the video camera, show yourself on the camera, say what you are doing, the date the time, what you are shipping, reading the details out from the invoice including PCGS cert number, Show the camera WHERE YOU ARE...point it to the nice big Post Office Sign...then walk into the post office with the camera point the way...it is still on. When you get in the post office, get a padded heavy duty cardboard mailer envelope if you did not have something like that at home, set everything down on the counter with the video camera pointing at everything you are doing...filling out the envelope TO FIELD, FROM FIELD...show that to the camera, show the camera the full slab on both sides, show the camera that you wrap the coin slab up in the printed invoice(to protect any green/gold stickers etc), show the camera that you are putting the wrapped slab into the protective merchandise mailer, show the camera that you put the merchandise mailer into the nice addressed padded heavy duty cardboard type of mailer, show the camera that you sealed the package, walk up to the counter with the package always in view of the camera, set the camera on the counter at a slight angle so it can record yourself along with the clerk and the entire transaction, announce you are mailing the package to "person's name in city and state" and the type of delivery you desire then WITH INSURANCE AND SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION! Show the package to the camera one more time and hand it to the clerk. Ask for some tape to tape all corners and openings and edges of the package, complete the transaction, show the insurance receipt to the camera, the signature confirmation tracking receipt to the camera, your payment receipt to the camera, leave the post office, say goodbye to the camera and stop the recording.
Yes, go ahead and call me crazy! But I would rather learn something from the struggles of others and try to protect myself so this is what I did. If I ever run into someone that tries to commit fraud against me, it will be very interesting to see the reaction of that person/postal investigators/insurance investigators/PayPal/eBay people when they see my professional video! Wow, will they be surprised.
Granted, I have a lot of camera and video equipment. I took a cool piece of equipment that does not cost a ton of money and found a new use for it.
Today was the first time I have ever done this so I wondered if it might be too awkward or a pain in the arse or maybe the postal employee might not want to be on camera etc. In my case, this WAS ZERO EXTRA EFFORT. It was very easy and everything went very smooth. You could easily do this with multiple packages or adjust it to fit how you do things but I would recommend doing the video shoot in ALL ONE TAKE starting at the post office. That way there will be very little that can be called into question and you also have the benefit of the post office cameras recording what you are doing maybe...but I would not want to rely on those! Take your own camera and record your own voice reading things to the camera and showing everything to the camera in HD!
So, some people might have issue with all of the eBay/PayPal/Insurance/BST/fraud threads...and I agree, it is sad that there are so many BUT I did not want all of those posters to think they were posting for no reason. I think I may have learned a new trick through the pain of others and I thank them for that. I feel a little bit more protected now. Just a tiny bit more Peace of Mind.
Is this fool proof?...NO...Is it darn close?...I hope it might be a good step closer.
Greg
After reading enough of these threads, I decided to learn something and try to protect myself the best way I know how so that I have peace of mind. I do not sell/ship things very often but I figured I should take some precautions whenever I do. Maybe a few of you will have an interest in what I did?
It starts with good documentation/PMs/Emails/Searches on the person's name or eBay or Forum handle for fraud... with the buyer.
Once payment is received...
...and you know where the package is going, go to Google street view to see where the package is going just fyi
...and most times you can pull up the property tax records from the county to see if the owner of the home(at least the last name) is the person you are shipping it to...
Those steps are not needed and sometimes it is a PO Box or Mailboxes Etc type place or apartment or business...but still interesting to see some times.
Then you need to get a pen, a merchandise mailer(cardboard thing to slide slabs into but don't put it in just yet!...we will get to that), a printed out invoice that details the item sold, where the coin is going and where it is coming from, and the merchandise itself...in my case today just one PCGS Slabbed Coin....and then you need to get one more thing before going to the post office...
Now this is where I have learned a great deal from others here on the forums and this is where some people might think I go WAY OVER THE TOP to protect myself from people that commit fraud, insurance fraud, lie about empty packages, etc etc etc... I OWN A SMALL GO PRO VIDEO CAMERA that I put to VERY GOOD USE! The video camera is AWESOME, it will take still photos, HD Video, Regular Format Video and Slow Motion HD Video. It is small and runs about $300 if I recall but I also bought it with a Chest Mount Strap, Bicycle Mount, Car Mount, Bicycle Helmet Mount, etc...
Now you need to drive to the post office with these things. When you get out of the car with your items(Pen, Invoice, Merchandise Mailer Cardboard, Coin and video camera) turn on the camera. Show all of the items you have to the video camera, show yourself on the camera, say what you are doing, the date the time, what you are shipping, reading the details out from the invoice including PCGS cert number, Show the camera WHERE YOU ARE...point it to the nice big Post Office Sign...then walk into the post office with the camera point the way...it is still on. When you get in the post office, get a padded heavy duty cardboard mailer envelope if you did not have something like that at home, set everything down on the counter with the video camera pointing at everything you are doing...filling out the envelope TO FIELD, FROM FIELD...show that to the camera, show the camera the full slab on both sides, show the camera that you wrap the coin slab up in the printed invoice(to protect any green/gold stickers etc), show the camera that you are putting the wrapped slab into the protective merchandise mailer, show the camera that you put the merchandise mailer into the nice addressed padded heavy duty cardboard type of mailer, show the camera that you sealed the package, walk up to the counter with the package always in view of the camera, set the camera on the counter at a slight angle so it can record yourself along with the clerk and the entire transaction, announce you are mailing the package to "person's name in city and state" and the type of delivery you desire then WITH INSURANCE AND SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION! Show the package to the camera one more time and hand it to the clerk. Ask for some tape to tape all corners and openings and edges of the package, complete the transaction, show the insurance receipt to the camera, the signature confirmation tracking receipt to the camera, your payment receipt to the camera, leave the post office, say goodbye to the camera and stop the recording.
Yes, go ahead and call me crazy! But I would rather learn something from the struggles of others and try to protect myself so this is what I did. If I ever run into someone that tries to commit fraud against me, it will be very interesting to see the reaction of that person/postal investigators/insurance investigators/PayPal/eBay people when they see my professional video! Wow, will they be surprised.
Granted, I have a lot of camera and video equipment. I took a cool piece of equipment that does not cost a ton of money and found a new use for it.
Today was the first time I have ever done this so I wondered if it might be too awkward or a pain in the arse or maybe the postal employee might not want to be on camera etc. In my case, this WAS ZERO EXTRA EFFORT. It was very easy and everything went very smooth. You could easily do this with multiple packages or adjust it to fit how you do things but I would recommend doing the video shoot in ALL ONE TAKE starting at the post office. That way there will be very little that can be called into question and you also have the benefit of the post office cameras recording what you are doing maybe...but I would not want to rely on those! Take your own camera and record your own voice reading things to the camera and showing everything to the camera in HD!
So, some people might have issue with all of the eBay/PayPal/Insurance/BST/fraud threads...and I agree, it is sad that there are so many BUT I did not want all of those posters to think they were posting for no reason. I think I may have learned a new trick through the pain of others and I thank them for that. I feel a little bit more protected now. Just a tiny bit more Peace of Mind.
Is this fool proof?...NO...Is it darn close?...I hope it might be a good step closer.
Greg
"If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
0
Comments
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
Maybe someone else will find this to be a good tool. What's cool is that if someone tried to rip you off and in turn rip the insurance company off....and you have some video evidence....there might be some jail time for that someone 'special'? Maybe....
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>I think that would cover you, but it would be a lot of work for every package you ship. Good luck! >>
There is a reason that smoe sellers charge $150 to ship a $30 coin!
But it's way over the top and just another example of how much hassle is involved with buying and selling on eBay.
Which is why I don't.
"A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."
I could see videoing the packaging of said item showing the sealing of the envelope but not necessarily the videoing of the trip to the post office.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>Yes, go ahead and call me crazy >>
You got my vote, not only crazy but also paranoid. You need to take your meds
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
<< <i>You may have a video of all of the packaging, etc., but good luck in getting anyone to pay any attention to it if something goes awry. One of the problems is that it is extremely difficult to get the authorities to take any action, unless youi are talking a significant amount. You can always hire an attorney, but there again it is usually not worth it except for a larger sum. >>
I was thinking along the lines of a PayPal dispute here when a person tells PayPal they received an empty package. This happened recently. Send a video link to the PayPal person making the decision and it would be very difficult for them to NOT find in your favor. That was my thought process anyway.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>I wanna buy something from you and then see a copy of the video you took after the coin arrives.
I could see videoing the packaging of said item showing the sealing of the envelope but not necessarily the videoing of the trip to the post office. >>
I do have a few items on the BST if you are interested.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>
<< <i>Yes, go ahead and call me crazy >>
You got my vote, not only crazy but also paranoid. You need to take your meds
Thanks for the reminder!
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
This isn't just a coin business phenomena. it is common today. Some things that people have an exaggerated fear of caused by too many stories or too many companies trying to sell things include:
1. Nutrition. Everything you eat is going to kill you.
2. Germs. The hand sanitizers that sell billions are a great placebo.
3. Skin Cancer. Some people are so afraid of the sun that they can hardly go outside. I have a fried that I refer to as heliophobic.
4. Childnapping. Despite the occasional story that makes international news, 99% of are streets are 100% safe. Mothers hear of a kid snatched off the street somewhere in the world and live in fear for ever after.
5. Identity theft. I know people who shred everything before throwing it away. I think they will soon have to hire a personal shredder.
6. POISON in your water. The people who sell water want to convince you that tap water is poison.
7. Radioactivity. I think this is really just widespread fear of the unknown since nobody really has a financial reason to convince you to have an irrational fear of radiation.
8. There are many more. If you really want more to worry about go to www.naturalnews.com. They take pseudoscience to a new level. They throw around technical terms, usually misused, taken out of context, or most often just extremely exaggerated and create fear. I assume their motive is internet hits to sell advertizing. I see people that I thought were rational sending me these ridiculous links from that website telling me that they've been duped. I refer to this as legitimized small scale terrorism since they are spreading fear throughout the population.
I've shipped 10's of thousands of packages and millions of dollars worth of coins. I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me. I've not had a single lost domestic package since i started using barcoded labels, and I sleep just fine at night.
--jerry
<< <i>I think that may be an effective method of protecting yourself.
But it's way over the top and just another example of how much hassle is involved with buying and selling on eBay.
Which is why I don't. >>
ebay is not his problem.
<< <i>I have shipped and or received over 2000 items so far only 1 item went lost. That is why I buy insurance.
When the time comes I have to do what you describe is when I call it it quits. >>
I certainly understand. Camera equipment is just a natural extension of my hand it seems. I really did no more thinking about the project...just had everything in front of the camera is all. To me it was ZERO extra work, really! You do not even need to pull the video off the camera and do anything with it! After you receive feedback/email/PM that the package was received in good order and they thank you for the coin etc...just delete the video off the camera. You do not need it any more.
I knew most everyone would think I am crazy and that's okay with me. I do not sell things often but whenever I do, I will be repeating this procedure.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>My system is even more foolproof, I simply to not sell on ebay. >>
This particular transaction was BST. I have heard bad stories from there as well. Granted, nothing beats selling something at a show to a person with cash.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>You sir, are a victim of what I call the modern sensationalism of lore and unverified stories and the fear that many advertizers and internet sites are using to sell product, create its, or just attract attention. No business could run with the fear of loss and the overreaction that you've described here. And you freely admit you've never been scammed.
This isn't just a coin business phenomena. it is common today. Some things that people have an exaggerated fear of caused by too many stories or too many companies trying to sell things include:
1. Nutrition. Everything you eat is going to kill you.
2. Germs. The hand sanitizers that sell billions are a great placebo.
3. Skin Cancer. Some people are so afraid of the sun that they can hardly go outside. I have a fried that I refer to as heliophobic.
4. Childnapping. Despite the occasional story that makes international news, 99% of are streets are 100% safe. Mothers hear of a kid snatched off the street somewhere in the world and live in fear for ever after.
5. Identity theft. I know people who shred everything before throwing it away. I think they will soon have to hire a personal shredder.
6. POISON in your water. The people who sell water want to convince you that tap water is poison.
7. Radioactivity. I think this is really just widespread fear of the unknown since nobody really has a financial reason to convince you to have an irrational fear of radiation.
8. There are many more. If you really want more to worry about go to www.naturalnews.com. They take pseudoscience to a new level. They throw around technical terms, usually misused, taken out of context, or most often just extremely exaggerated and create fear. I assume their motive is internet hits to sell advertizing. I see people that I thought were rational sending me these ridiculous links from that website telling me that they've been duped. I refer to this as legitimized small scale terrorism since they are spreading fear throughout the population.
I've shipped 10's of thousands of packages and millions of dollars worth of coins. I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me. I've not had a single lost domestic package since i started using barcoded labels, and I sleep just fine at night.
--jerry >>
Excellent Post Jerry!
As for the Hand Sanitizers and the Anti-Bacterial Soaps.
Both of these products are inadvertantly responsible for lower immune systems. Not all germs will kill ya and the ones that do will have a much better chance if your body isn't used to fighting these things off. I used to drink water directly out of mountain streams as a kid. Maybe I was lucky or maybe I had a strong immune system from being a kid!
Another product that irks the heck out of me are the Cold and Flu products which make you feel better so you can go to out or go to work and spread your infection!
The name is LEE!
<< <i>You sir, are a victim of what I call the modern sensationalism of lore and unverified stories and the fear that many advertizers and internet sites are using to sell product, create its, or just attract attention. No business could run with the fear of loss and the overreaction that you've described here. And you freely admit you've never been scammed.
This isn't just a coin business phenomena. it is common today. Some things that people have an exaggerated fear of caused by too many stories or too many companies trying to sell things include:
1. Nutrition. Everything you eat is going to kill you.
2. Germs. The hand sanitizers that sell billions are a great placebo.
3. Skin Cancer. Some people are so afraid of the sun that they can hardly go outside. I have a fried that I refer to as heliophobic.
4. Childnapping. Despite the occasional story that makes international news, 99% of are streets are 100% safe. Mothers hear of a kid snatched off the street somewhere in the world and live in fear for ever after.
5. Identity theft. I know people who shred everything before throwing it away. I think they will soon have to hire a personal shredder.
6. POISON in your water. The people who sell water want to convince you that tap water is poison.
7. Radioactivity. I think this is really just widespread fear of the unknown since nobody really has a financial reason to convince you to have an irrational fear of radiation.
8. There are many more. If you really want more to worry about go to www.naturalnews.com. They take pseudoscience to a new level. They throw around technical terms, usually misused, taken out of context, or most often just extremely exaggerated and create fear. I assume their motive is internet hits to sell advertizing. I see people that I thought were rational sending me these ridiculous links from that website telling me that they've been duped. I refer to this as legitimized small scale terrorism since they are spreading fear throughout the population.
I've shipped 10's of thousands of packages and millions of dollars worth of coins. I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me. I've not had a single lost domestic package since i started using barcoded labels, and I sleep just fine at night.
--jerry >>
WOW, you think about wayyyy too many things that I do not. Man you sound like a well read conspiracy theorist. That's not me. I am a photographer/videographer that thought about doing something additional with my skill set. I thought it might interest a few others, that's all. I am surprised you didn't put boogy-man on your list. Do you worry about him too?
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>
<< <i>I think that may be an effective method of protecting yourself.
But it's way over the top and just another example of how much hassle is involved with buying and selling on eBay.
Which is why I don't. >>
ebay is not his problem. >>
Clearly since I am hardly ever on there. I must enjoy one of my professions a bit much (photography/videography).
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>I have shipped and or recieved over 2000 items so far only 1 item went lost. That is why I buy insurance.
When the time comes I have to do what you describe is when I call it it quits. >>
If you have (needlessly) paid for insurance 2,000 times, you've probably spent more than the cost of a dozen lost coins. It all depends, of course, on the rarity of the atmosphere at your particular collecting altitude and your tolerance for risk. It's sort of like your attitude toward extended warranties and service contracts. I just assume life is risky, sometimes things don't go right, and take the hit every now and then. In the long run I think this strategy will pan out. We'll see. This thinking does not extend to life, disability, or medical insurance though.
If a sale gets risky enough that I feel a need to video the package going into the envelope, I think I'll find a different venue for the sale.
If you really want to cover yourself, get an over-sized box, then get in it and mail yourself with the coin and the camcorder. Imagine the glowing feedback you'll receive about your high level of personalized service when you pop out of the box, camcorder in hand, hand them the coin, and shake their hand in congratulations on their new purchase.
You're gonna have to remember to include a return shipping fee so you can get back home.
(sorry, but I was laughing the whole time I typed this...)
Your buddy,
Steve
<< <i>Keyman,
If you really want to cover yourself, get an over-sized box, then get in it and mail yourself with the coin and the camcorder. Imagine the glowing feedback you'll receive about your high level of personalized service when you pop out of the box, camcorder in hand, hand them the coin, and shake their hand in congratulations on their new purchase.
You're gonna have to remember to include a return shipping fee so you can get back home.
(sorry, but I was laughing the whole time I typed this...)
Your buddy,
Steve >>
Steve, let me know if you ever try it....not for me though!
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
BTW the biggest cause of loss is that people hand write the addresses as you did and it goes to wrong place. Print your bar coded label at your computer and your buyer is sent the tracking info number as part of the process.
Edited again that you better bring your own tape the USPS doen't give it away anymore. And they are going to hate you arounde the holidays when you show up with about ten items and hold up the line for a hour or so going threw your process.
<< <i>How did the Post Office clerk react to you "filming" the whole procedure and talking while you were doing it? >>
I did my packing at a table far away from the counter...so none of that was known. She may not have noticed the camera or realized it was on or cared...I had ZERO reaction from her. The camera is tiny and it was just one of the things I put up on the counter. When the camera is recording...I have that stupid blinking light turned off.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>5. Identity theft. I know people who shred everything before throwing it away. I think they will soon have to hire a personal shredder.
7. Radioactivity. I think this is really just widespread fear of the unknown since nobody really has a financial reason to convince you to have an irrational fear of radiation.
I've shipped 10's of thousands of packages and millions of dollars worth of coins. I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me. I've not had a single lost domestic package since i started using barcoded labels, and I sleep just fine at night. >>
5. My credit card info (but not the physical card) was stolen and used in Australia at multiple places for multiple items, mostly food and liquor. You think it doesn't happen?
7. Want a mop and bucket? The Japanese could use some people like you to clean up the Fu-ku-shima Daichi nuclear power plant. On the other hand, when someone was proposing to explode a barium bomb over the Atlantic, I had some people flipping out. They seemed to forgeet that radioactive barium is used internally for studying the gastroinestinal tracts of hospital patients. The half life is very short and the level of exposure is low. Even modern XRays are better than what they were 20 or 40 years ago. The level of exposure is a lot less than that trip to Florida's Disney World would expose you to.
I think 7 should read All Radioactive emissions are harmful. It's not.
"I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me."
So all those news reports of other people being defrauded are false? Safety need not be considered?
I think you statements are a little to un-cautious.
PS I recently had a buyer pick up a package at the PO. Before I could see online he had done so, I messaged him: I dropped it off, I tried to get same day delivery. He replied: ""Great, I really appreciate everything very much and will be sure to leave good feedback upon getting the coin."" A few mintues later I saw the online info was updated. He had picked up the coin 5 minutes after I dropped it off. He was probably in line with me and I didn't know it.
Now, are you going to tell me I'm paranoid? Because that really looked like someone claiming not to have the coin despite having picked it up personally. (online info showed it was signed for by him.) I'm glad the PO people follwed procedure and scanned it in at the counter and made him sign for it.
To date he has not left feedback, and neither have I. I messaged him and noted he had picked it up. I still offered to leave positive feedback, too. But it would have been generic: payment made, transaction completed.
Bad Things Do Happen!
<< <i>Edited again that you better bring your own tape the USPS doen't give it away anymore. >>
Awwww man!
I used that tape... in the proper way....
I guess the higher ups figured out how much was being used to "securely tape" shipments. Those of you who have received packages from me know that I tape all seams and the flap seams get double taped.
I guess I helped kill the golden goose.
<< <i>
<< <i>Edited again that you better bring your own tape the USPS doen't give it away anymore. >>
Awwww man!
I used that tape... in the proper way....
I guess the higher ups figured out how much was being used to "securely tape" shipments. Those of you who have received packages from me know that I tape all seams and the flap seams get double taped.
I guess I helped kill the golden goose. >>
I just figured they went that route so they could sell more of the overpriced stuff they have on the wall.
The problem I see is that I doubt they care about looking at the video. Their decision is based on their rules.
It might even have a reverse effect because if the package was delivered empty they might suspect it was premeditated because most senders don't have a video. Without a mega investigation they can't tell if a video was edited or if there was some trick and the package swapped.
OMG!!!! Greg, cut down on the caffeen!!
I'm surprised the P.O. didn't call the police!!
Very funny thread!!!
Into your life it will creep.
It starts when you’re always afraid.
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
....Stephen Stills
Lance.
not get there safely, except once ten years ago. And, that was before bar code, Ebay shipping
labels. I've also had one registered package not get there but that was to Austria. So, unless
you are shipping without Ebay postal labels or USPS coded labels or are shipping to foreign
countries you are just being way over the top.
Good luck,
Have fun,
bob
<< <i>
<< <i>5. Identity theft. I know people who shred everything before throwing it away. I think they will soon have to hire a personal shredder.
7. Radioactivity. I think this is really just widespread fear of the unknown since nobody really has a financial reason to convince you to have an irrational fear of radiation.
I've shipped 10's of thousands of packages and millions of dollars worth of coins. I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me. I've not had a single lost domestic package since i started using barcoded labels, and I sleep just fine at night. >>
5. My credit card info (but not the physical card) was stolen and used in Australia at multiple places for multiple items, mostly food and liquor. You think it doesn't happen?
7. Want a mop and bucket? The Japanese could use some people like you to clean up the Fu-ku-shima Daichi nuclear power plant. On the other hand, when someone was proposing to explode a barium bomb over the Atlantic, I had some people flipping out. They seemed to forgeet that radioactive barium is used internally for studying the gastroinestinal tracts of hospital patients. The half life is very short and the level of exposure is low. Even modern XRays are better than what they were 20 or 40 years ago. The level of exposure is a lot less than that trip to Florida's Disney World would expose you to.
I think 7 should read All Radioactive emissions are harmful. It's not.
"I've never had anyone attempt to defraud me."
So all those news reports of other people being defrauded are false? Safety need not be considered?
I think you statements are a little to un-cautious.
PS I recently had a buyer pick up a package at the PO. Before I could see online he had done so, I messaged him: I dropped it off, I tried to get same day delivery. He replied: ""Great, I really appreciate everything very much and will be sure to leave good feedback upon getting the coin."" A few mintues later I saw the online info was updated. He had picked up the coin 5 minutes after I dropped it off. He was probably in line with me and I didn't know it.
Now, are you going to tell me I'm paranoid? Because that really looked like someone claiming not to have the coin despite having picked it up personally. (online info showed it was signed for by him.) I'm glad the PO people follwed procedure and scanned it in at the counter and made him sign for it.
To date he has not left feedback, and neither have I. I messaged him and noted he had picked it up. I still offered to leave positive feedback, too. But it would have been generic: payment made, transaction completed.
Bad Things Do Happen! >>
5. Yes, credit cards get stolen. But shredding the labels off of a can of beans won't help prevent it. Stealing a credit card isn't the same as creating a new identity with your SSN.
7. Japan is a great example, thanks for bringing it up. The meltdowns at the plants in Japan is a huge financial disaster. The Tsunami killed over 10,000 people (I quit following the count). The radioactivity released has killed 0. but the deaths are long forgotten while the press focuses on the power plants. Yes, they need mops and buckets, not doctors and nurses, or morticians.
Yes, many of the reports of fraud are incorrect, imagined, or just miscommunications. Some are internet legends that have been repeated so many times that the truth which once existed has now been modified beyond recognition. The fraudsters who do try to defraud people look for the weak and confused. Keep your ducks in a row and they'll usually look for an easier target. Sure, I've gotten the fishing questions "Do you ship to Ringold GA and what is the cost?" But I've never had a shipping fraud and don't expect any.
As for your case, if you messaged me right after I'd picked up several packages from the post office I wouldn't know whether I had it or not. I picked up a package today. My son was excited as we opened up his new belt, only to find instead, my new hats....there are lots of legitimate reasons that explain the facts as you describe them. Most buyers don't have x-ray vision.
--Jerry
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<< <i>I think that may be an effective method of protecting yourself.
But it's way over the top and just another example of how much hassle is involved with buying and selling on eBay.
Which is why I don't. >>
ebay is not his problem. >>
No...but eBay is the first thing that comes to mind when I read a thread about protecting yourself from fraud and shipping problems.
Ebay or not, I hate shipping coins. I'll do it. But if I have a coin to sell or trade, I much prefer to do it in person at a show.
And, by the way, there's nothing wrong with being cautious - shredding documents with your identifying information, paying attention to reports of criminal activity in your area, drinking bottled water if you prefer it.
There are many problems that come with spending time and doing business on the Internet. One is that we often don't know who's on the other end so we have no way of knowing if they are honest and trustworthy. Although not foolproof, it helps to meet people and do business face to face when possible. Another is the vast amount of information that is available. Without significant research and an understanding of which sites and resources to trust, misinformation can come in many forms. But take a criminal justice statistics course at a reputable university and you may be surprised.
On the other hand, extreme paranoia can ruin your life.
Make sure it is a confirmed shipping address and you should be good to go.
Box of 20
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<< <i>I have shipped and or received over 2000 items so far only 1 item went lost. That is why I buy insurance.
When the time comes I have to do what you describe is when I call it it quits. >>
I certainly understand. Camera equipment is just a natural extension of my hand it seems. I really did no more thinking about the project...just had everything in front of the camera is all. To me it was ZERO extra work, really! You do not even need to pull the video off the camera and do anything with it! After you receive feedback/email/PM that the package was received in good order and they thank you for the coin etc...just delete the video off the camera. You do not need it any more.
I knew most everyone would think I am crazy and that's okay with me. I do not sell things often but whenever I do, I will be repeating this procedure.
" After you receive feedback/email/PM that the package was received in good order and they thank you for the coin etc...just delete the video off the camera. You do not need it any more."
Completely FALSE. I have well over 900 transactions on ebay, and just a single "chargeback". A buyer left me positive feedback on a coin about a week after I had shipped it. Then 2 months later, my paypal account was hit with a chargeback on that sale. When I pointed out to paypal that the buyer had even left me positive feedback, they said it wasnt enough proof that I sent the package. I needed to provide the tracking number.....and 30 seconds after I did that, case closed.
None of what the OP suggests is needed. Ebay fraudsters are about as common as west nile virus, SARS, and bird flu patients. Do you know anyone who ever had any of those "afflictions"?
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<< <i>I have shipped and or recieved over 2000 items so far only 1 item went lost. That is why I buy insurance.
When the time comes I have to do what you describe is when I call it it quits. >>
I thought you were going to say "this is why I don't buy insurance"
<< <i>How did the Post Office clerk react to you "filming" the whole procedure and talking while you were doing it? >>
He's now on the "no fly" list.
Dude you lost me at where you get out of your car at the P O and carry all that Stuff
inside. Do you think they would allow you to do all that. Hey " Just Ship It " and "Fur Get It"
and you will be able to sleep at night.
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<< <i>
And, by the way, there's nothing wrong with being cautious - shredding documents with your identifying information, paying attention to reports of criminal activity in your area, drinking bottled water if you prefer it.
>>
Fully agree and of course I take appropriate caution and don't run through life naked with my hair on fire. My problem is with the prevailing and growing fear that a certain segment of society is gaining that makes them cautious to the the point of almost stalemate. They bring it to the workplace and the employers make ridiculous rules to satisfy the vocal minority. They suggest out of freiendship that I shouldn't drink tapwater because they read a report on the internet that it is poison and I have to politely explain that I think it is hogwash and try to no offend their intelligence (not always successful)....that type of stuff.
If they want to drink bottled water, that is fine with me but don't make me explain why I don't.
--Jerry