User blog:Cookie2347/Getting Scammed And How To Avoid It

I want to start off by apologizing for my first blog. I was upset at the time and frustrated....I wouldn't actually mean what I said. I am not making an excuse, I accept that what I said was wrong and I want to apologize primarily to Validated for snapping at them. However, to the person who said, "You deserved to be scammed," what you said wasn't right either. Nobody deserves to be scammed and since then, I've been scammed an additional 2 times. But this isn't about me! I'm doing fine again and definitely will make sure to keep my suspicious mindset. I noticed some people being scammed recently, particularly this one person. It broke my heart seeing them like that, so I gave them an item. Scammers are greedy and scamming is sad. Working for your rares is always better and makes you feel good. This is for those who have been scammed and need tips on being a smarter trader. I hope this will be helpful and I definitely encourage you to talk about your experience and drop names of those who scammed you so we can be wary around them as a community.

Tips:

1. Remove rare items off trade and appearance. I know this doesn't seem like any help but looking poor may cause the scammer to think that you're not worth their time. I did this once while investigating a "giveaway" and they locked everyone out for not "having" rare items.

2. Ask yourself questions. Would I trust this stranger with my items or a long-time friend? Is it worth the risk? Is this person really trustworthy?

3. Be suspicious of spares. A majority of scammers use their spare accounts when scamming to avoid getting their main suspended or banned. If you see someone there who doesn't talk or move when the "host" is, more than likely they are a spare. But also keep in mind, scammers may have their friends help them. If the other person doesn't show the item they received, it is obviously a spare or friend- leave and block them both.

4. Decline. If the person has you and "someone else" go back and worth when trading, stop before it is too late. This is how I was scammed recently. They may trade your items back, but only for you to give more and "beat" the other person.

5. Don't call them a scammer or openly say scam. They'll lock you out. Work with the other members and find a way to communicate effectively. That way, all of you can avoid getting scammed. Perhaps on a member's message wall.

I hope you guys found this helpful! And remember, if it is trust, it is ALWAYS a scam!