Buying? Selling?

Don't Get Scammed!

Despite the scary news stories, using eBay does not mean that you're going to get defrauded, lose your credit card numbers and have psycho killers show up at your door.  Really.  Some basic education mixed with a healthy dose of common sense will help keep you safe.  Here are some of my favorite resources.

Gift Cards on eBay???

They might be a fabulous deal.  Or, you might be buying stolen merchandise!  Here are 3 stories. Before you buy one, check the seller's history and feedback.  I spoke on WDIV on 3/17/05 on this topic.

• WDIV story - http://www.clickondetroit.com/consumer/4295824/detail.html
• Washington Post expose about shoplifters and gift cards on eBay - http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A51741-2005Jan5?language=printer

Learn Before You "Point and Click":

• The Federal Trade Commission offers a treasure trove of educational links!  Tax dollars at work - tap in!  You've paid for it; you might as well use it!  http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-internet.htm
• The Consumer Sentinel - another government site shows you how law enforcement agencies work together and provides tons of info http://www.consumer.gov/sentinel/
• eBay's Security Center:  If you're going to use eBay, read this before you buy or sell anything! http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/?ssPageName=f:f:US
• Ditto with Paypal.  If you are a seller, read the fine print about the seller protection guarantee: http://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_security-center-outside
• Learn to identify "Phishing" email: http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/phishing.htm

Untangle a Scam:

• The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Complaint Form: https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01
• File a complaint with the National Fraud Information Center http://www.fraud.org/info/contactnfic.htm
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp

Expensive Auctions:

• There's only one way to get an inspection period before the seller gets your money.  Don't use any other escrow service: www.escrow.com

Keep Your Computer Safe:

Don't let "tracking cookies", spyware and trogan horse programs in!  They can ship confidential information about you out to thieves!

• If you have broadband, don't surf without a firewall.  Here's a free one: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
• Scan your computer for spyware ~ also a free download http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/