Don’t be a Victim of Online Auction FraudStephen Bucaro The Internet Fraud Complaint Center IFCC reported that last year 7.7 million dollars was lost through online auction scams. The actual losses are much greater. Most auction scams are not reported because they involve only small amounts of money. Most auction Web sites are aggressive at fighting fraud. eBay has a fraud investigation unit that has helped them hold down fraud to only .01% of its transactions. If you paid for an item and never received it, or if you received the item but it was less than what was described, eBays Fraud Protection Program will reimburse you up to $200, minus a $25 processing charge. In order to qualify for Fraud Protection coverage, you must submit an Online Fraud Complaint with eBay after 30 days and before 60 days from the time the auction ended. After making a purchase, buyers can leave feedback about their experience with the seller. Before you bid on an item, check the sellers feedback profile by clicking on the number next to the their User ID. There is also a feedback forum and discussion board. Below are a few actions that you should take to protect yourself from Internet auction fraud.
If you become a victim of Internet auction fraud, you can submit a complaint report with an online form at the IFCC Web site www.ifccfbi.gov. The IFCC will review your complaint and refer it to the proper law enforcement agency. Internet Auction fraud is a large and growing problem. Take the measures outlined above to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. CopyrightC2004 Bucaro TecHelp. Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included.
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