The number may appear grim for Web-based commerce. In 2004 in the Unites States alone, computer users logged in over 207,000 Net fraud reports to the U.S. Net Crime Complaint Middle. In the event you look hard at this number, you may be astounded, and a nice bit terrified, by the implication. You may ask, "Is it safe to buy and sell at an online site?"
Put basically, the answer is: yes. The Net is an amazingly powerful tool for business, so you cannot pass it over because of a few crooks and conmen-even in the event that they do appear like they are behind every pop-up window and banner commercial. The truth is that you can generate opportunity and earn more funds online than you could lose in fraud.
Better yet, you could lose absolutely nothing in the event you know the warning signs of fraud and the tricks to keep away from danger in the coursework of your Web-based business dealings.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell goods online, the first-and the best-way to fight fraud is prevention. There's definite warning signs to watch for, which ought to set off a chorus of alarms and flashing red lights in your head. Don't do business with this person! For buyers, these potential warning signs can be when a seller:
asks you to pay through non-traceable avenues, such as Western Union or MoneyGram, or a third party, or by an abroad address. You ought to ask yourself-and the seller-why they or they won't accept payment options that are traceable and convenient for you.
posts an picture on his auction or classified commercial that is obviously from an outside source. Sometimes these images may not even match the type of item, not to mention the brand, that the commercial features.
sells a usually pricey item at cut-rate prices, which is a nice indicator that it could be counterfeit.
a refuses to provide tracking numbers when you buy an item. Tracking numbers are another way to trace a valid transaction.
a offers only excuses, in lieu of help, when your bought item doesn't arrive at your doorstep.
If you are a seller, you ought to be cautious of signs of a suspicious buyer, such as when a buyer:
asks to pay only a quantity of the fee, offering to the pay the rest sometime in the future. This is the elderly excuse from Popeye's mate Wimpy, who always could be heard saying, "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Wimpy never paid Tuesday.
sends you a cashier's check for more funds than the agreed cost "by mistake." In this scam, the buyer then asks you to repay him the difference by personal check, wire transfer, or funds order-before you find out that the cashier's check didn't clear. Think it or not, this system works because cashier's checks can be cashed before they bounce
sends you a cashier's check for the correct amount of money but then demands a refund, requesting that you repay together with your own money. See the process above for how this trick works.
These warning signs, of coursework, are only for a handful of the frauds and scams out there. Conmen are nice at what they do, trying to separate you from your money. That is why it is best to always follow these golden rules of online commerce whenever purchasing or selling on an Net auction or classified site.
Keep your common sense. No matter how nice a deal seems, or how much clients say they need to pay, always keep in mind the elderly adage: "If it sounds nice to be true
Do your business locally. Try to buy and sell from your neighbors as much as feasible. It is safer, more convenient, and better for your local economy. What is more, it saves you the trouble of dealing with foreign vendors and buyers. Though they may be legit, dealing with them can be complicated because of different legal systems and customs, which can make any conflict difficult.
Seal the deal with plastic. Paying for items with credit cards, and allowing your customers to charge for purchases, is a great all-around business decision. Under U.S. law, all plastic purchases are shielded from fraud and allowed to be disputed in case of issues.
Meet at the middle man. Intermediary services are virtual middle men that protect both buyers and sellers from cyber shysters. Services like Escrow act as a holding pen for both payment and sale items until both the buyer and seller are content. Only then will Escrow finish a transaction.
Purchase with PayPal. As Escrow and credit cards do, PayPal guards against fraud for both buyers and sellers. It is a secure and reliable way to transfer money over the Net. No wonder PayPal is the most popular online money transfer service.
As you can see, the odds are actually in your favor when it comes to doing business on online classified or auction sites. The resource of the net is far valuable than to be taken away by a few crooks and conmen. It basically comes down to being smart, sensible, and observant whenever purchasing or selling on the Web. Then again, that is what all nice business is about, whether you are doing it in a mall or on the knowledge superhighway.
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