You are here: Home > Security > Internet
Internet and E-commerce
Clearly if you are reading this website you are already reasonably familiar with the enormous volume of useful information on the web. What you may not know is that the internet can be a convenient and safe place to shop... Provided that you as a consumer take some precautions. For a more detailed and useful guide to avoiding internet fraud consider downloading the following 10 page guide written by scambusters.org the 10 most important things you can do to avoid getting scammed. Download here, or continue onwards for an overview.
First and foremost it is important to dispel the myth that paying for eBay items or any other auction items by Cheque or Money Order is safer than paying by credit card. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most credit card companies have a $50 liability limit for electronic fraud. By using your credit card, you create a digital paper trail and involve your bank. If the transaction becomes fraudulent you MAY be able to recoup all but $50. By contrast, sending money for an auction through a Cheque or Money Order exposes you to the entire risk of the transaction without the bank's protection.
Secondly, be extremely wary of Escrow or Third Party companies. These companies offer to hold your money while you inspect an auction item and thereby protect you from auction risk. Though these services exist, many knockoff companies have emerged stealing your money without providing any protection. If you are buying an item that requires these services be sure to talk to a customer service representative over the phone in order to verify the identity of the third party company you are dealing with.
Finally if you do fall victim to electronic fraud, Report it! In Canada you can report any electronic crimes to RECOL (Reporting Economic Crime Online). This is an initiative launched by the Federal Solicitor General that involves an integrated partnership between International, Federal and Provincial Law Enforcement agencies.
