Saturday, July 25, 2009

Tips for safe online auction

On-line auction sites are great places to buy things.But be cautious about fraud to make your auction experience profitable and enjoyable.Following are some tips you must keep in mind about on-line auctions.

1.Understand how auction websites work.
Most on-line website don't verify the seller and the merchandise they offer.They simply list the products people want to sell
2.Verify the Seller before you bid
Verify the seller's profile before you bid.Check the sellers other auctions and users comment about the seller.Also check the auction history of the seller.
3.Contact the seller
Before bidding try to contact the seller by sending an email or call his number given in his profile.Good sellers are serious about their customers and will respond quickly and politely
4.Check the delivery details of the item
Check the delivery details of the item and also confirm that there are no hidden costs.Check the shipping rate and the dimension of the item
5.Check the current market price of the item
Check the current market price of the item and also the collect details about the features of the item
6.Use credit card to pay
Use credit card to pay for the item.Credit card companies will refund if fraud is found.
7.Aware of scams
Always aware about scams like shilling(sellers associates bidding higher so that the winning bidder pay higher price than normal),faked photos,bid shielding,misleading descriptions and failure to deliver merchandise.
8.Stolen or pirated merchandise
If you suspect the merchandise is stolen or pirated,contact the seller and ask the details about it
9.Check auction website about insurance
Some websites provide insurance that covers the buyer up to a certain amount.Some will provide link to third party insurance programs.Read the terms of the insurance carefully for deductible and there be other limitations or requirements that apply.
10.Inform auction site about suspected fraud.
Inform the website about the seller so that they can take legal action.You can also claim for refund if the fraud is proved.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

10 Online Shopping Security Tips

The world of Internet is not a safe place when it comes to spending your money.The primary concern of a customer when searching for his need is shopping securely and efficiently.There are chances of reaching a wrong website when you browse through the Internet.

Since the trend of online shopping is growing rapidly, users should follow some simple rules which will keep them in the safer zone.

1.Shop at secure Websites - Check for https in the website address and also a closed padlock symbol on the bottom tab of your web browser.

2.Get all the available information about the website - Check the company phone number and address in the website and call the phone number to ask for details about the product and its delivery.Also check the Internet yellow page about the website.

3.Check the websites exchange rates with other sources.

4.Check the customer feedback about the website.

5.Read the websites privacy policy,security policy and FAQ.

6.Use credit card to purchase online - Credit card companies will refund accounts when anything goes wrong.

7. Keep your passwords private - Don't disclose your password to anyone.Also change your passwords in regular intervals

8.Check the website URL to see that if you are dealing with the correct website.

9.Check the cost of delivery and how long the delivery will take before you place your order.

10. Take a print copy of your order confirmation page, order confirmation email and the web page containing description about the ordered item.