My Tip for Safe Trading

[k4kk]

Before I send money (or any negotiable paper that equals money) to an individual in another place, I try to do due dilligence. Many here want a callsign. Others have no such requirement. One thing I insist on is a home phone number. I then cross reference the number with the callsign/address. If you get a callsign that doesn't match the address, there is an almost universal red flag. The same is true for the phone number. Did you know that you can put a phone number (format xxx-xxx-xxxx) into Google.com and it will return a name/address? Try it with your own number -- you'll be surprised. In addition, there is even a link to map to that location! (I find that a little scary but...) If the number, callsign, and address all match I have never been burned. The only time I got burned, I did not have a phone number and am still trying to get one!

[KA9FOX]

Using Google and the FCC's callsign database to try to match a person seems like a great idea!

- Scott KA9FOX

[W0LPQ]

Scott, KK has an excellent idea. I have used it...and it does in fact work like a charm...!!

If more people would just USE the stuff available to them..Google and such, then I firmly believe we would have less problems than some seem to have now..!

73

Bill, W0LPQ