• Please note that FreeStudentNetwork.com or FreeStudentClassifieds.com are not involved in any form of transaction.  FreeStudentNetwork.com or FreeStudentClassifieds.com offers a service for parties to meet.  FreeStudentNetwork.com or FreeStudentClassifieds.com does not provide “seller certification” or buyer protection of any kind.  FreeStudentNetwork.com or FreeStudentClassifieds.com does not accept cash, does not handle any form of payment, does not provide escrow services and is not involved in any transaction.
  
  
• It is extremely recommended that you deal only with local individuals and meet them in person in a public place.  This alone will avoid most of the scams on the internet.
  
  
• Avoid anyone asking you to wire funds via Western Union or Moneygram (or any other similar wire service).
  
  
• Please be aware that fake cashier checks and fake money orders are common in scams and fraudulent transactions.   After your bank cashes the fake cashiers checks or money orders, you will be held responsible for the amount in question.
  
  
• Never, Ever, Ever provide someone with your financial information (i.e., bank account information, paypal account information, social security number, etc.).  

HOW TO RECOGNIZE SCAMS AND WHEN SHOULD YOU AVOID ENTERING INTO A TRANSACTION WITH ANOTHER PARTY:

• Be skeptical of and avoid any transaction that involves any of the traps stated above (i.e., wire funds using Western Union or Moneygram, offers an escrow service, asks for personal information, non-local seller or buyer, etc.).
  

• Avoid any transaction that involves a non-local person/business that offers to send a money order or cashier’s check, especially if that person/business offers to send a money order or cashier’s check that is for more than the item being sold and that person asks you to send him/her back the excess amount.  This is common and is pure fraud.
  
  
• Avoid any transaction that states FreeStudentNetwork.com or FreeStudentClassifieds.com will provide seller certification or buyer protection. 
  

• Avoid any deal that sounds TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, because it usually is!

• Avoid any emails or transactions with individuals that represent themselves as Nigerian or any other foreign governmental officials requesting your help in transferring money overseas or offshore bank accounts.
  

• If purchasing items from a business, use your best efforts to ensure it is a reputable business (i.e., look them up on the internet, check out their history with the Better Business Bureau, ask for references, etc.). 

• MOST IMPORTANTLY……….USE COMMON SENSE!

WHO SHOULD I NOTIFY IF I SUSPECT FRAUD OR A SCAM?

• FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
• FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
• Non-emergency number for your local police department.

• If you suspect that a scam or fraudulent transaction, please let us know by sending us an email here.
  

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