Usually, selling a Macintosh through a electronic or paper want ad listing doesn't present serious problems, but recent reports suggest that you should watch out for "buyers" who have no interest in paying for your Macintosh. For your safety, use common sense. Advertise in computer-specific publications or campus newspapers instead of broadcasting the fact that you have a Mac for sale to the entire readership of a big city newspaper. Perhaps invite a few friends to hang out at your house during the time that possible purchasers comes to look at your system. When selling a PowerBook, consider bringing it to a public spot to meet prospective buyers.

Recent rip-offs haven't targeted just individuals. Phone order fraud - where a mail order company delivers equipment that the customer never pays for - has had a serious financial impact on at least one mail order business, MacAttack. Mark Nimocks <nimocks@aol.com> of MacAttack has compiled additional information about the problem and tips that mail order firms can use to avoid fraud. Send email to Mark to receive the information and tips.