How to Spot a Scammer

We work hard to protect Banjo Hangout users from scams, but you need to use common sense as well. Here are a few quick pointers--follow them and you should stay safe.

• Do Not Post Your Email Address in your classified ad. This forces potential buyers to create an account before contacting you, which stops many scammers and allows us to automatically track and stop any scammer dumb enough to register and send a message through our system.
• Check the Homepage of the user who is contacting you when they first contact you, and a few days after that. If their account is locked, chances are they're a scammer!
• Make Sure Payment Clears--don't put your precious banjo in the mail until you know for sure the money is in your hands.
• Report Suspicious Activity--if a scammer contacts you through our message system, the message will have a link at the bottom for you to report it as a scam. Clicking this locks their account immediately!
• Use Common Sense--if an offer seems too good to be true, or seems fishy, chances are it is. When in doubt, ask a few friends for advice (you can even inquire on the forum)!