 TITLE: How Do Certified Checks Work? CONTENT: Staying Safe With Payments\n--------------------------\nAvoiding scams is an ongoing task. When you're selling something, be cautious about the types of payments you accept. While official checks, money orders and transfers all can be secure, fraudsters also use all sorts of methods to steal money. You can look online for reports of scams involving similar circumstances before handing over or shipping anything. And if you're meeting in person, only agree to meet at a public and secure location—such as a bank or police station.\nSimilarly, when you're buying a product or service, do due diligence if you're unfamiliar with the seller. Particularly when buying through online marketplaces, be wary of buyers who \"accidentally\" give you too much money and ask you to send back the difference. It's a common scam as the initial, large payment gets reversed and you're left without that money or the money you sent.\nWhenever possible, using a credit card can be a safe option because you can dispute a transaction and initiate a chargeback to get your money back if the seller doesn't give you the promised product or service. You can also earn rewards and receive cardholder benefits, such as extended warranties on eligible purchases, with the right card. Using Experian CreditMatchTM, you'll receive personalized card recommendations based on your credit. END