While the majority of users on this site are honest folks, there may be the occasional scam artist looking to take advantage of you. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these situations.

If  possible, deal locally, face to face, to insure the authenticity of the transaction. The zip code of each seller is displayed on the item page to help the potential buyer locate someone in their area.

Never give out personal information; social security number, home address or bank account number. Use the blind e-mail provided by www.CheaperThanDirt.com/FreeAds to ask and answer questions.

Beware of counterfeit cashier’s checks and money orders. Your bank will cash them and then hold you responsible when they are discovered to be counterfeits.

Do not wire money using Western Union or any other wire service.

Pay with a major credit card; this will allow you to dispute fraudulent transactions.

Paypal is a secure way to pay online, however, Paypal does not want to be involved in any firearms related transactions.

Use the United States Postal Service to send payments. The USPS will investigate mail fraud while other package carriers will not.

Ask the seller if COD (Cash On Delivery) is available. This insures that you have the item in hand before paying for it. Additional fees may be charged for this service.

When buying or selling firearms, use a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer to handle the transfer to insure you have a legal record of the transaction.

Issuing banks for personal checks and credit cards can be contacted to verify the availability of  required funds.

Cheaper Than Dirt.com/FreeAds is not involved or liable for any transaction, does not guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, handle payments or transaction resolutions.