How To Avoid Fraud

Shop with established internet retailers, look out for phishing scams, and know how to dispute a charge.

E-tailers sign up customers for subscriptions by offering free trials. Remember to cancel before it ends.

Shop websites that let you return items to a local store so you can trust that you can return it. Customer feedback is important as well.

Business / E-commerce
Netiquette Rules

1. Shop on secure sites because they protect your information. Shop secure sites
2. Stay away from spam and pop-up advertising for security reasons. Stay away from spam
3. Read the return policy before buying because you may not buy if it is too difficult.Read the return policy
4. Check the privacy policy because you may not be comfortable with a businesses who sell information.
   Check the privacy policy
5. Use a credit or debit card because their transactions can be disputed with your bank.
   Use a credit or debit card
6. Know the shipping policy before you buy because terms vary. Know the shipping policy
7. Keep records including a product description because you may need it to dispute a charge.
   Keep records
8. Cross reference purchases with your card statements because some companies bill incorrectly.
   Cross reference purchases with statements
9. Restart your computer when you are finished shopping to close the connection to your computer.
   Restart your computer when your done

eBay Netiquette Rules

1. Set a maximum price and stick to it so you do not get caught in the irrational exuberance of an auction.
2. Do not outbid someone just because you do not them to have an item or your buying it for the wrong reason.
3. Stay away from sellers with negative feedback because it is inviting a bad experience.
4. Inspect cars before bidding because there are many things that can be wrong with a car.
5. Buyer Beware! Ask sellers questions because they are not going to highlight bad information.
6. Be honest in the description of an item to prevent negative feedback.
7. Take and post at least five pictures of an item because it has to be seen to sell.
8. Leave positive and negative feedback, where appropriate, because eBay is feedback driven.
9. Ship items immediately to ensure positive feedback.

Craigslist Netiquette Rules

1. The prices on Craigslist are negotiable because everyone needs the money.
2. Beware of people who ask for unnecessary information because people 'phish' for information.
3. There is usually something wrong with a car for sale.
4. People who leave roomate posts usually need the money for next months rent.
5. Handle preliminary negotiations through e-mail or phone to find out if there are any deal breakers before you meet.
6. Include pictures with all posts because it prevents misunderstandings.
7. Research posts because knowing what your dealing with is a powerful negotiating tool.
8. Ask a lot of questions to avoid being ripped off.
9. Tell buyers what is wrong with an item up front so that you do not waste time.