Bartertown.com

Hi everyone,

I have had a recent bad trader experience (along with others) from a fairly new member. This member has not been active since the trade problems occured a couple of months ago.

So, it dawned on me....(by part of my brain that hides the hybernated criminal in me....hahaha), what would prevent the bad trader from starting anew with a new email address and member name, only to further victimize the bartertown community?

Maybe there is no prevention for this, but I thought, I would at least ask the question.

Thanks, Chris (blackgriff1)

Nothing except us telling everyone else to watch out.

There are ways we can make it more difficult, and I am not going to educate the Ticknors and funk_phrunks of the trading world by saying exactly how. Suffice it to say, any pattern can be detected and traced.

The best protection against bad traders is to keep detailed records of the transactions, get as much info from them as you can - personal information, mind you, as well as information on what you're trading.
Be smart. If it seems too good to be true, it might be. Trade in small increments and get insurance from whomever you choose to be your postal carrier - UPS, USPS, whoever. No third party insurers. Demand that they do the same, and that they provide you with the number.
Check the tracking number to see if it's valid, and if the package has actually been sent.

Be patient. Not everyone is out to screw you over. Sometimes crap happens, but proper communication goes a long way to alleviate that.

Just some thoughts.