A Harris Interactive survey states that more than 35 million Americans shopped at online auctions in 2000 and 41 percent of those surveyed experienced problems with their online auction purchase.This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy and sell at an online auction. Instead, follow these simple rules
• Understand how the auction works
• Check out the seller (is it an individual or business, are they located in the U.S. or in another country?)
• Get a physical address and other identifying information
• Ask about delivery, returns, warranties, and service
• Be wary of claims about collectibles
• Use common sense to guide you
• Pay the safest way (avoid cash; pay with a credit card if possible)
• Consider using an Escrow Service to hold your money
• Let the auction site know if you have a problem and also report any suspected fraud to the Internet Fraud Watch (www.fraud.org/info/repoform.htm or call 1-800-876-7060) The Internet Fraud Watch has a web site on tips to protect yourself from Online auction fraud located at http://www.fraud.org/internet/inttip/aucttip.htm Commercial or private sites listed in this publication are intended only to supply information. No endorsement of products or firms is intended, nor is criticism implied of
those not included.
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