With warmer than average temperatures conditions in North Georgia this fall, residents are spending weekends buying and selling at local garage sales even as scammers bring threats.
According to recent data there are 165,000 garage sales a week in the U.S. totaling $4.2 million a week in revenues. The BBB office serving metro-Atlanta, Athens and northeast Georgia, cautions that during garage sale season, there are precautions that buyers and sellers need to keep in mind.
According to a release from the BBB, buyers need to avoid buying these items used at a yard sale for safety concerns:
- Bicycle and motorcycle helmets
- Baby cribs
- Child car seats
BBB also cautions garage sale shoppers to carefully consider potential problems with used electronic products, computers and furniture. Although the price may make be attractive, it can be offset very quickly if there is a hidden problem and the item has to be repaired.
Dottie Callina with the BBB's local office says that buyers also need be aware that items bought used from a garage sale typically can not be covered by any consumer agency.
"At a garage sale, you are dealing with an individual and not a business. If something happens, you need to remember that you are buying things as is. The Better Business Bureau can not help you with anything purchased that might not be as advertised," Callina said.
She states that buyers should ask the seller for a receipt for any large ticket items, and make sure any verbal promises or guarantees are in writing.
It's also a good idea to know something about the sales you're shopping. In a recent case in Hall County, two men were selling items at a yard sale they had allegedly stolen from some homes in the northern part of the county.
If you are hosting a garage sale, Callina warns of several things to keep in mind.
"Beware of $20 bills. These are the most popular with counterfeiters , and they rely on untrained sellers to unload this fake currency. So if you are going to have a yard sale, buy a counterfeit money detection pen to reduce the chances of large losses," Callina said.
She also advises that it is important to obtain the proper permits from your city/county as needed. If not, you may be shut down by your local police.
And finally, Callina and the BBB advise to make sure your property is free from debris or any potential safety hazards.
"Just think about the country we live in today. It just takes one person to fall on your property for you to end up in a lawsuit no matter how unjustified."
Dottie Callina was a recent guest on WDUN's Afternoon News Wrap.
