Check-Mates Launches eBay, Craigslist Identity Verification

#1

Check-Mates is a new anti-fraud technology for eBay and Craigslist shoppers. Check-Mates verifies the real identity of both buyer and seller while allowing them to remain anonymous. Should any fraud occur, Check-Mates logs are released to law enforcement authorities.

Check-Mates' validation process starts by having users type in their real names, addresses and phone numbers. From this information, a set of "non-invasive life experience questions" are randomly generated. If both users answer all of them correctly, they receive an email stating that both identities were confirmed and logs will be kept for future reference.

A company called GenMobi Technologies launched the Check-Mates service. CEO Michael Schultz said. "While fraudsters can steal your credit card and social security numbers, they are hard pressed to know about your personal life details."

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#2

Something like this might be good for ebay or other online websites, but most sellers on Craigslist restrict sales to "in person" and cash.

So I could care less if the person handing me cash is who they say they are or not. The cash spends the same either way.

#3

I think that most users do not use cash as only in some instances are deals done in person. I have bought airline miles on Craigslist and never met the guy selling the miles. I used Check-Mates to validate the other guy before I paid money to his bank account.

Even if I were buying in person I would want to avoid getting robbed by someone setting me up. At least with Check-Mates I would know that the other guy has been validated and is not someone looking to mug me for a quick buck.

#4

FleetMan wrote (View Post): › I think that most users do not use cash as only in some instances are deals done in person. I have bought airline miles on Craigslist and never met the guy selling the miles. I used Check-Mates to validate the other guy before I paid money to his bank account.

Even if I were buying in person I would want to avoid getting robbed by someone setting me up. At least with Check-Mates I would know that the other guy has been validated and is not someone looking to mug me for a quick buck.

I'd have to disagree with this. Each and every single deal I've done on Craigslist, as both a buyer and a seller, has been for cash.

Everyone I know who has conducted business on Craigslist has also performed cash only deals.

Craiglist is intended to be a "deal locally" service, and is really not set up for "long distance", non face-to-face transactions that involve shipping.

I'd have to say that again that most users DO use cash, and that doing otherwise is the exception.

#5

I get mostly cash or checks from local people. Haven't had a problem yet. I have also shipped items from craigslist sales. They pay with credit card or paypal. I also take postal money orders. They can easily be varified.

I have found after 50 + years selling that problems will occur but you have to risk it if you plan to sell anything.

I don't worry about security on ebay as I seldom make a sale there anymore.