Hancock
New Hampshire

Police Department

Internet Buying Fraud

By: Sgt Mark S. Wattendorf

Unfortunately several months do not go by that the police department does not receive a complaint about some one being victimized by internet fraud.  I am not saying that all transactions wind up in being a theft case, and I have personally purchased items online and have not had a problem.  Here are some suggestions to help you avoid being a victim of fraud.

For online buyers, I recommend the following steps:

·         Always read the item listing carefully and make sure you understand the seller's shipping terms, refund and return policy, and other terms and conditions.

·         Check the seller's sales history through feedback as well as their current items to get an idea of their areas of expertise. For example, if the seller has only sold recipes, and then lists a plasma television, make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid.

·         Make sure your method of payment offers purchase protection.

·         Know the shipping charges before you buy.

·         Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it often is.

·         Make sure that you are comfortable with the transaction before you bid.

·         Educate yourself about the web sites listing policies.

·         Use the "Ask seller a question" link on the item listing page.

·         Confirm authenticity of the item.

Before sending payment

·         Contact the seller to arrange payment. Verify your seller's contact information.

·         Use extra caution with international transactions, as well as high-priced and popular items.

·         For high-priced items, you can pay using an escrow service like www.escrow.com.

·         Insure your item.

·         Keep a record of all purchases.

What to avoid

·   Paying with instant money transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram that send cash instantly from storefront locations, by telephone and over the Internet.

·   Transactions where the seller only accepts cash.

·   Unsolicited offers. If the seller offers to sell it to you without bidding on and winning the item.

·   Fake escrow services. Use caution when considering an escrow service to pay for your item. For transactions, you should use the some of the following: www.escrow.com (US and UK); www.escrowaustralia.com.au (AU); www.escrow-europa.com (IT and ES); http://ebay.iloxx.de (DE); www.tripledeal.com (FR, NL, BE).

 

 

 

.

Hancock Police Dept | Hancock Home Page