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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Steer clear of Internet Auction Fraud With These Tips

By Alex Tesla


In the early days of internet auctions, you were a lot more likely to be conned than you are today. Figures from the National Fraud Information Center for the year 2000 explained that 78% of Internet fraud during those times happened on online auction sites. Since that time the big sites have taken major steps to make their auctions safer places for their users.

Even though it is safer to purchase online from auctions these days, you still have to be careful when transacting in internet auctions. Here are a few tips to ensure you do not get taken advantage of.

Buy from sellers with good feedback scores because this is one of your best protections. This is a feature of internet auctions that can't be compared by other online retailers. This independent rating system provides you with a very good indication of which sellers can be trusted. Ensure the seller has carried out enough selling auctions for it to be a reliable indicator.

Pay by credit card, which is usually the safest method. That way, if you have any problems you can seek redress through your credit card provider. This is a facility you wouldn't usually have when buying from a private individual, so make use of this extra security feature of on-line auctions.

Use the big name auction sites because they want to protect their reputation. Meaning they'll take any fraud complaints seriously and deal with the culprits fast because it's in their best interest to do so. Steer clear of the small sites that nobody's heard of.

Make certain you know exactly what the services or products you are buying is worth to you. Do this right from the beginning and you will be in a better position to make certain you don't overbid and end up paying more than the item's worth. There are plenty of people who will testify to having been caught up in a bidding frenzy. Auctions could be exciting and addictive, but it doesn't make sense to pay more for items at an auction than those that can readily be bought elsewhere.

When you place a bid you have entered into a contract with the seller. Think before you bid. Do not place a bid if you don't truly want the item. If you don't, that bright orange, floral bathroom sink could be yours!

Remember that expression that says purchasing on internet auction sites - if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Have a good time - but be careful!






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