ONLINE SHOPPING FRAUD
As the popularity of internet shopping and online auction sites increases, so does the potential for fraudulent activity. All scams relating to shopping and auction fraud rely on the anonymity of the internet, yet most can be avoided by applying a little diligence.
Some of the most common complaints involve customers receiving goods late, or not at all; sellers not receiving payment; buyers receiving goods that are either less valuable than those advertised or significantly different from the original description; or failure on the seller’s part to disclose relevant information about a product or the terms of sale.
If you are a victim of this kind of online fraud, the most immediate problem is that there is no real prospect of returning the goods or having your money refunded. More worryingly, your identity details could be compromised.
What should you do?
If the seller has misrepresented the goods you’ve bought, report to Action Fraud. Keep all evidence of the offence, including goods and correspondence. If there is a business dispute over the nature of the transaction, contact the website involved. Alternatively, alert Citizens Advice by phone on 08454 04 05 06.
Protect yourself against shopping and auction fraud
Beware of people offering you a deal below the current bid or reserve price, especially if they contact you direct. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
• When buying, utilise the website’s feedback facility. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers have made. Be extremely careful when buying things from people with little or no description and query the seller if necessary.
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