The character transfers are being protected by CCP. However, if you have been scammed, you know that it can create enormous stress, time loss, etc. so it is always important to know some easy hints to avoid being scammed.

1. Make sure that the seller on the forum is not a dead alt. Sometimes, people say they donÆt post with the main, because they want to be identified for this and that reason. If the seller is Corpless, that is one good reason to start asking questions.
Inspect the seller in game by right clicking. The seller can be an alt all right, but he should not be dead, in other terms he should have played the game sometime.
a) Check the seller's birthday, if he has been created only recently, stay away from the auction
b) Check his bio and standings as these give clues that the alt is not just dead and has been playing the game. Remember that scammers can sacrifice dead alts; their accounts will be dealt by CCP, but they wonÆt be hurt after they have used your hard earned isk one way or another.

2. Make sure that the seller posts links to screenshots. Study the screenshots carefully.
a) Check to see if they have been modified by photoshop, etc. Comparing the screenshots with your own client in a similar in-game setting side by side might reveal abnormalities, if there are any.
b) Check for discrepancies. For example, Transport Ships skills have been trained but Industry has not been trained to lvl5, etc. etc.
c) Check for other clues around the screenshots. Is the character name in auction the same as the left-side character bar? Check the station name, channels, anything which might give clues, etc.
Now, you shouldnÆt take this to the point of paranoia, should you? Of course you should!!! Sometimes the seller says they donÆt want to bother with screenshots. Well if he doesnÆt bother about selling his char, then donÆt bother about buying his char! Seriouslyà DonÆt hurry about that ôomgà just teh roxxor char I am looking for, shouldnÆt missö If this character doesnÆt work out, you will have another one, maybe even better and very soon too! The seller says he doesnÆt have anywhere to link the screenshots. Point him to a site like http://www.eve-files.com/.

3. If you have started to be suspicious about something, check the sellerÆs posting history on the forums. Click on his avatar to enlarge and click on ôRead last posts of this character.ö This can reveal so much, you would be surprised!

4. Some sellers donÆt want to post the character name in auction. This is understandable because of in-game dynamics. However, make sure that you learn the character name before you transfer isk. Check the name in game to see if some of the characteristics stated in the forum match the in-game facts. Check the employment history, etc. You have made a deal with the seller to buy the character, but he still doesnÆt want to reveal the name? Cancel the deal! The seller is in a great rush to sell? Cancel the deal!

5. When the actual isk transferring time comes, make sure that you do this in a convo setting. Enlarge the convo channel! Confirm each step with the seller! ôI am about to send you 5bn isk for your character named æEdgar Allen PoeÆ, please confirm, etc..ö After sending the isk, ask for confirmation for reception, open the wallet journal, take a screenshot of it all and keep it! ôWhen buying and selling characters, please note that by confirming the trade via EVEmail, you ensure that the facts of the matter are documented, should any later disputes arise that require GM attentionö

6. Fast clues:
a) Be suspicious with ôQuickö or ô24 Hour Auctionsö. They can be valid, but it is hard to miss the fact that most scams have been quick ones!
b) Be suspicious with too good to be true auctions! Cheapest isnÆt always the best!
c) This might not exactly be a scam, but remember to ask for things like security status, enemies of the character, etc. Most people look at skills and make a quick deal. Do not hurry!