Internet Fraud and How to Avoid It

Fraud on the internet is increasing, and in my line of business, I am shocked to discover the amount of people who do not know the basic things to look out for. They are hypnotized by colorful looking sites, the products they feature and the price. Fast delivery is important too.

So when you surf the net for a product, what are are you thinking? You browse a dozen sites, comparing the quality, the price and fast delivery. You think of nothing else. By now, you could be tiring of checking this site against another. All you want now, is to make your purchase. So you place your order in the shopping cart and make payment. Job Done !

Or is it?

You were totally focused on sourcing the website that best suited your needs in terms of quality, price and delivery. You never thought about the payment. It was just an action you completed. In most cases you never bought from a well known or branded retailer.

So who did you really buy from?

Here's some tips to check out:

1. Do they display an easy to find trading address? 2. Is there an easy to find contact number? 3. Is that phone number at a premium rate? 4. Are they based in your own country? 5. Do they have a returns policy? 6. Do they accept credit cards?

Here in the UK, for purchases in value of £100.00 or more, always use a credit card. You have buyer protection from your credit card company. I cannot comment for credit card holders in other countries. If you use a debit card or any other method, you will have no recourse.

So if your purchase is under £100.00, what should you do?

You are taking a gamble. Make sure you know who you are dealing with. You can go to WhoIs lookup and enter the website address to inquire who registered the site. This should give you their name and address, contact phone number and more details. If the information states the registrant is "by proxy" and no other details, they are hiding behind a smoke screen. Avoid this site.

A typical fraudster will not display their trading address, or if they do, it is either fictitious, or they do not trade from that address. In the UK, it is illegal to display a website without a trading address. There will be no contact number, only email. If there is a number, it may be at a premium rate. Avoid this site

A reputable trader will publish their address and phone number in an appropriate place for you to find easily. Remember: For purchases of £100.00 or more - Always use a Credit Card.

I hope this article will assist you for your internet shopping.

Free legal advice and legal representation at the fraction of the price a solicitor would charge you. You can contact me: http://www.smallclaims.uk.com