wire transfers safe?


I just got an offer from a new (zero feedback) Audiogoner from Brazil, who wants to pay by wire transfer from a US bank account, and wants me to ship to a friend in Texas. I'm inclined to trust him, but all this gives me pause.

Anyone know whether wire transfers can be "recalled" after deposit? I wouldn't want to ship only to have the payment recalled afterwards and no recourse other than in Brazil!
fvl

Showing 1 response by theraiguy

Having worked in the wire transfer department of a bank, I know that there are a wide variety of checks that a transfer has to go through in order to be verified, so it is less likely for a wire transfer to turn out bad than any other form of payment (credit cards have chargebacks, checks bounce, etc.).
However, any time you give out a routing and account number, you become susceptible to fraud. Setting up a "dummy" account is the best way to go. Most banks will offer you a free secondary account, and can even note it to stay open at a zero balance. I have two accounts for my audiophile dealings, one to serve as a hub for wire transfer activities, and the other as either the destination or source of wired funds.