CueAuction is sorry for both the buyers and sellers that pictures are taken from its site to run scams on the internet. The auctions in question are both very real and can be found at
http://www.cueauctions.com While CueAuctions can do little about picture and description theft we do require that all listings be prepaid, this leaves little room for the scam unless the scammer has the correct bank information for the user. Auction sites that let users post and pay on a billing cycle will have little control over someone listing a fake auction. The billing cycle is simply longer than the auction.
Some suggestions when buying:
As with anything you pay for that you do not have in your hands at the time of payment there is always an element of risk. Here are a few suggestions:
If you are paying by PayPal make sure you select to use your credit card on file with them to pay with. Some credit card companies offer fraud prevention and will credit your account within a 30 day period of the time of charge. You will have to check with your credit card company to see if you are protected.
If you are paying directly with a credit card make sure it has fraud protection.
If you are paying by check or money order send it via United States Postal Service. You could send it registered if you want or delivery confirmation to prove that it was delivered. Important to remember here is if the seller doesn't send the merchandise they have committed Mail Fraud because they received the payment via USPS. This doesn't guarantee that you will get any money back, but it can create problems for the seller. Mail Fraud is a Federal Violation.
NOTE Bank security alerted us to the fact that USPS Money Orders even though they can be cashed at the counter can come back bad (up to 10 weeks after cashing) and the post office will come for their money. Money orders have to be deposited just like a check and have to clear. Electronic check cashing from personal bank accounts will surely be the payment method of the future.
Deal with a 3rd party. Proficient Billiards offers an escrow service to assist buyers and sellers. There are other companies out there also that escrow if you look on the internet you are sure to find one.
Shipping insurance is always a good thing to have on your packages. Uninsured packages that become lost or damaged in shipping unfortunately usually become the loss of the buyer. REMEMBER TO INSURE!
Something simple If you don't think the seller is in possession of the goods... ask them to lay something next to it (like a nickle) and have them send you that picture.
