AVOID SCAMS
island500.com is committed to a safe and private experience. However, unscrupulous people have made the Internet a place where personal information must be safeguarded. Never post, advertise, or in any way reveal sensitive information (that is, your personal credit card number(s), your Social Security Number (if you have one), bank account information, driver's license number, etc.) on the site. When dealing with reputable vendors and businesses off-island, they might ask for a credit card number to secure delivery of a product or service. These transactions should take place outside of island500.com and through a secured means (a secured server for example or by using PayPal). island500.com is not responsible for what happens to any information that is posted on the site, so please use caution when communicating such data.
Beware of long distance scams as well that involve you sending your item overseas after only receiving a partial payment. Likewise, do not send a partial or any payment to someone overseas or local unless it is via a secured server and you are sure the individual or company is reputable. When purchasing more expensive items, take extra precaution to ensure that the person/business is reputable and where possible, use a Letter of Credit from a trusted and well-known bank.
You can avoid most SCAM attempts by following the common-sense rules below:
- DEAL LOCALLY WHERE YOU CAN MEET THE PERSON AND SEE THE ITEM
- NEVER WIRE FUNDS VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM or any other wire service - anyone who asks you to do so is most likely a scammer.
- ISLAND500.COM IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY TRANSACTION, and does not handle payments on behalf of anyone, nor do we guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification." Anyone who says this is a SCAMMER.
- NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number (if you have one), etc.)
- AVOID DEALS INVOLVING SHIPPING OR ESCROW SERVICES and know that only a scammer will "guarantee" your transaction.
Personal Safety: When meeting someone to sell your item(s) it is always safer to meet them in a neutral public place with people around and preferably during daylight hours. Be aware of who is coming to view your item and be alert to ensure your safety. When possible, try to have a friend or relative with you when meeting others. And always let someone know where you are meeting and with whom.