How to Avoid Scams When Selling Diabetic Supplies
We buy sealed diabetic supplies for cash. We do not sell supplies.
To avoid scams when selling diabetic supplies, get a written quote first, never send money to a buyer and never share a code sent to your phone. Most buyers are honest. But a few simple rules protect you from the ones who aren't.
Selling? See everything we buy.
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own care.
Here are the warning signs, the most common tricks and what to do if something feels off.
What are the warning signs?
Slow down if a buyer does any of these:
- Wants you to ship before you agree on a price.
- Won't put the offer in writing.
- Asks for your bank login, password or a one-time code.
- Sends "too much" money and asks you to send some back.
- Says you must pay a fee to get paid.
- Pushes you to decide right now.
Any one of these is a reason to stop. Two or more is a clear sign to walk away.
Scammers often try to rush you. They might say another seller is waiting, or that the offer ends tonight. A real buyer will give you time to think. If you feel pushed, that feeling is worth listening to.
They also like to move the chat off the app or site where you met. If someone asks you to text a new number right away, be careful.
What are the most common tricks?
The overpayment trick is the one to know. Someone pays more than the agreed price, then asks you to send the extra back. The CFPB says this is a common scam. The first payment often bounces or gets reversed later, and you lose what you sent.
The CFPB's advice is simple. Don't send any money back, and let your bank know.
Other tricks to watch for:
- The fee. A buyer says you must pay a fee before they can release your money. Real buyers never ask you to pay them.
- The code. Someone asks you to read back a code sent to your phone. That code can let them into your accounts.
- Ship first, quote later. They want everything before they say what they'll pay.
- The copycat. A website or social account copies a real business's name.
Is the buyer real?
Do a little homework before you meet or ship. It takes ten minutes, and it can save you a lot:
- Call the phone number listed on the buyer's own website.
- Get a written quote before you ship or meet.
- Check that emails come from the business's own web domain.
- Search the business name with the word "reviews."
- Ask how they handle boxes that don't match.
Be wary of a buyer with only a first name and a free email address. A real business has a name you can look up and a number that someone answers.
To confirm an offer from us, call or text (909) 619-5262 or email sell@goldenstatediabeticsupply.com. We never charge sellers a fee.
How to avoid scams in payment apps
Payment apps move money fast, and that's what scammers count on. Zelle's own safety page says to only send money to people you trust.
When you're selling, you should only receive money. If a buyer asks you to send any, for any reason, stop.
Always check your own banking app to confirm a payment arrived. Don't trust a screenshot, a text or an email that says "payment sent." Those are easy to fake.
Never give anyone remote access to your phone or computer, either. A real buyer has no reason to see your screen. If someone says they need to "help" you get paid that way, hang up.
How do you meet safely?
For local pickup, a few habits keep you safe:
- Meet in a busy public place during the day.
- Bring a friend or family member if you like.
- Tell someone where you're going.
- Let the buyer check the boxes, then confirm payment before you hand them over.
Don't invite a buyer you don't know to your home. A public spot keeps you in control, and you can leave at any time.
We meet sellers in San Bernardino and Riverside County at public places. See our pickup areas for the full list. We pay cash, Zelle, Venmo or PayPal on the spot.
How do you ship safely?
For mail-in, protect yourself with these steps:
- Get a written quote first.
- Take photos of every box before you pack.
- Use a service with tracking. USPS Priority Mail includes USPS Tracking.
- Keep your tracking number and receipt.
Our guide on shipping diabetic supplies safely covers packing.
Never ship to an address that changes after you agree on a quote. If a buyer asks you to send the box somewhere new, confirm it by calling the number on their website first.
A real-life example
Say you post that you have extra sensors. A stranger messages you with a great offer. They say they'll send a check for more than the price, and you can send the rest back by Zelle.
That's the overpayment trick. You stop replying. You don't deposit anything, and you don't send money.
Then you report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You also tell a family member, so they know to watch for the same message.
If you already sent money, call your bank right away. Keep every message and receipt. If you're helping a parent sell, stay in the loop. A second set of eyes catches warning signs that are easy to miss alone.
Keep reading
Questions
How can I tell if a buyer is a scammer?
Watch for requests to send money, share codes or pay a fee. Pressure to decide fast and no written quote are also warning signs.
What is the overpayment scam?
A buyer pays more than the price and asks you to send the difference back. The CFPB says not to send money back and to tell your bank.
Where do I report a scam?
You can report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you sent money, call your bank right away.
How do I confirm an offer is from you?
Call or text (909) 619-5262 or email sell@goldenstatediabeticsupply.com. We never ask sellers to pay us anything.
Sell with a buyer you can verify
The best way to avoid scams is a written quote, a real phone number and no fees. We give you all three. Send a photo of your sealed supplies for a free quote.