how to avoid becoming a victim of the moneygram scam

To avoid becoming the victim of moneygram scam simply:
Never wire money to people you don't know personally.
Moneygram is a system designed to transfer money to people you know and acquainted, usually family members. It has unwittingly become a mediator in scams and other illegal activities such as money laundering.
If an employment opportunity arises it is always best to have face to face contact with the employer. Sometimes though if someone is in another part of the world this can be a difficult prospect. Always be wary of dealing with someone you have never seen and the identity of whom you cannot be absolutely certain. Bonafide and legitimate employer would never want payments upfront. If someone is asking for money upfront be cautious. Since moneygram is almost like dealing in cash, activities requiring payments to people you do not know, always look for alternative means of payment such as credit cards where there is greater protection. In the case job opportunities, best to avoid opportunities that ask for money upfront. In the case of the Mystery shopper role do not send return any monies via moneygram. Full Stop. The fact that some stranger from a different part of the world, someone who you do not know has sent funds itself should ring alarm bells.
Never wire money to people you don't know personally.
Since Moneygram is almost like handing cash over the other party, it should never been used to purchase goods on auction websites such as ebay. There is absolutely no guarantee that the product will be of quality or indeed be delivered.
Most reputable businesses will never ask to use moneygram as they are aware it is a service to be used with people they know. They will also have alternative means of payment so the buyer should always use them. Only scammers will offer Moneygram as the only option of purchasing. Before making any purchase of any kind in ebay check the reputation of the seller and the reviews they have received. It will give a good idea as to whether any business of any kind should be conducted with these individuals at all. But they can always be faked so should be wary.
Never wire money to people you don't know personally.
In the classified ad moneygram scam, if someone especially from overseas sends a cheque ensure the money has cleared before proceeding. Just because the money is in the bank, it does not mean it has cleared and the bank could withdraw the funds having detected fraudulent activities. If the payment has been made out to be more then the purchase price be extremely cautious. At no time money should be sent back via moneygram transfer.
Never wire money to people you don't know personally.
With dating, accommodation and grandparents scams moneygram is again favoured as its a very anonymous and a quick method of receiving payments. With little or no traceability it ensures the scammers are able to roam free with no action taken by the law. Always meet the person face to face before handing over any cash.
© copyright 2010