# Bid and pay safely

Lesson 3 of [Auction buying foundations](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/auction-buying-foundations.md), 14 minutes.

You often cannot inspect a lot in person or meet the seller. Know the common fraud patterns, and use a safe way to pay. Common fraud patterns The FTC and state consumer offices describe these patterns: - Non-delivery: you win and pay, and nothing arrives. - Misdescribed goods: the item arrives, but…

The rest of this lesson is for learners enrolled in the course. [See how Auction buying foundations works](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/auction-buying-foundations.md).

Also on the [web page](https://auctionfinder.fyi/academy/auction-buying-foundations/bid-and-pay-safely).

> Beware of auction fraud and shill bidding: never wire money or pay by gift card to a seller you cannot verify, and walk away when a price is run up by a bidder who never buys.