How to Spot Auction or Retail Email Scams

Buying and selling items online has become a popular past time for many people. The development of online auction sites has also created many opportunities to buy items for a lower price in relation to retail pricing in store. As online auctions become more commonplace so have auction scams. Protect yourself from being the victim of online auction scams.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Review the seller's feedback and previous items sold. If this seller has great feedback and positive reviews on past sales, ask questions. If the seller refuses to respond to your questions, evaluate your purchase with them.

2. Buy with an online payment system that protects you from fraud via a secure checkout system. A seller who requests wire transfer or a money order is not a reputable seller and more than likely looking to scam you.

3. Remember you have the power of the online auction scammers. They need your money more than you want their product, stay in control of the situation at all times.

4. Choose your products carefully. Big-ticket items are expensive, laptops, plasma TVs', electronic video game consoles are available for purchase online. Protect yourself by becoming an informed buyer that's knowledgeable about the cost of these items.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research on any big-ticket items, before buying online.
• Do keep your information private when dealing with an online auction site.
• Don't allow a scammer to bully you into a purchase
• Don't deal with a seller who isn't responding to common questions

Resources

• Information on online auction scams and prevention resources.