By Sandra Guile
Better Business Bureau
Summertime is ripe with opportunities to explore, and some of the best adventures can be had at quirky flea markets, out-of-the-way estate auctions, and weekend garage sales. Hosting a sale might also be a good way to clean out the closets and make room for that new summer wardrobe.To make sure your summer sales are safe, keep an eye out for scammers.
Lock It Up
Having a yard sale isn’t necessarily a dangerous activity, but it doesn’t hurt to take a few basic precautions before buyers arrive. Lock all of the doors leading to your home – including the door from the garage – even you plan to go in and out frequently. Your attention will be needed elsewhere during a sale or when tending to visitors, so it’s best to keep it closed. Politely refuse the use of your restroom as it provides a would-be thief an opportunity to scope out your home’s layout for future heists.
Be Buyer Aware
There is safety in numbers, so thieves will often travel in groups to quickly sift through the displayed items. One will be the designated distractor while another may simply engage you in conversation. Treat your garage sale like a retail establishment. Enlist a friend or family member to help you during the time of the sale to keep an eye out for people swapping tags, hiding items, or stealing pieces.
Bigger ticket items, like jewelry and electronics, should be kept close and shouldn’t be handed over until you receive payment.
Keep the Change
Stay sharp when it comes to settle up for the purchases. Watch for the high bill switch where the buyer flashes a $20 but tries to pay with a $10, claiming you short changed them. Also, look for counterfeit high dollar bills; check out the Secret Service website for tips on how to know the difference between a fake and the real deal.
Looks Suspicious? Say Something!
Keep a fully charged cell phone with you at all times and if something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
Contact Sandra at (513) 639-9126 or sguile@cincinnati.bbb.org. Your BBB is located at 1 East 4th Street Suite 600 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 – to reach the office, call (513) 421-3015.
YES i agree with your this point :Bigger ticket items, like jewelry and electronics, should be kept close and shouldn’t be handed over until you receive payment.