When the warm weather sets in people get inspired to do some spring cleaning and host a garage sale.
With the pandemic, you may be more inclined to sell your used items online.
The Better Business Bureau has everything you need to know to do it the right way.
One person's junk is another person's treasure.
Selling your stuff online is a quick way to earn some cash and free up space at home.
There are apps like Poshmark and offer up, and websites like Craigslist and EBay that make it easier than ever.
All you have to do is take a photo, write a brief description, and the buyers will come to you.
"If somebody offers to purchase something of yours but they want to take communications off the app, that's a red flag," said Susan Bach, the Regional Director of the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin.
Most people are wary when shopping on sites and apps like these.
Some people don't think about the risk that come with selling as well.
"Keep all of the transactions on the site or the app," said Bach. "Don't ever accept any kind of check or money order as payment, especially if it's over the amount."
This is an opportunity for a scammer to make money off of you. Here's how it works.
The buyer might instruct you to deposit the check, keep the cost of the item, and transfer the remaining balance back to them.
Once the check clears in your account, and by the time the bank contacts you to inform you of the bad check, you've already sent money away.
"Make sure you follow all the guidelines that are on the selling platform," said Bach. "Those are made to protect you the consumer."
Use the platform's messaging system.
Keep all transaction dealings on the site or app.
If you follow the guidelines, the platform is better able to help if anything should go wrong.
If you think you have encountered a scam while trying to sell your used items, visit the BBB's website. Click here for more information.
