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A common fraud is the non-delivery of items sold to you - this is much more prevalent when using the Internet to purchase items. These purchases are almost always solicited and originated by someone other than the buyer - in other words, the victim is approached by the thieves.
Preventing Non-Delivery of Merchandise:
- Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable source.
- Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather than a post office box and phone number. Call the seller to see if number is correct and working
- Send the seller an e-mail to see if they have an active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free e-mail services where a credit card is not required to open the account.
- Strongly consider not buying from sellers who won't provide you with this type of information.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller's area.
- Check out other websites regarding this person /company.
- Don't judge a person / company by their website.
- Be cautious when responding to special offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).
- Be cautious when dealing with individuals / companies from outside your own country.
- Inquire about returns and warranties.
- The safest way to purchase items via the Internet is by Credit Card, because you can often dispute the charges if something is wrong.
- Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers.
- Consider utilizing an escrow or alternative payment service.
Credit card Fraud:
- Always use common sense -- it is the best rule of thumb. Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don't give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable.
- Never give your credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For example, if you're told there has been a 'computer problem' and the caller needs you to verify information.)
- Legitimate companies don't call you to ask for a credit card number over the phone.Send the seller an e-mail to see if they have an active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free e-mail services where a credit card wasn't required to open the account.
- Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info via email -- and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card) information. These are called 'phishing' scams.
- Never provide your credit card information on a website that is not a secure site.
- Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no bogus charges.
- Treat your credit card bill like your checking account -- reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills.. If you find any charges that you don't have a receipt for -- or that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.
- Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure. Before using the site, check out the security/encryption software it uses. Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a reputable source. Do your homework on the
individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate. Try to obtain a physical address rather than merely a post office box and a phone number,
call the seller to see if the number is correct and working. Consider not purchasing from sellers who won't provide you with this type of
information. Check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller's area. Don't judge a person/company by their web site.The safest way to
purchase items via the Internet is by credit card because you can often dispute the charges if something is wrong. Make sure the transaction is
secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers. If you suspect credit card fraud: contact the issuer(s) immediately.
Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies -- they are eager to avoid credit card fraud.
If you follow all these tips, it will go a long way in protecting you from
credit card fraud.
Online Fraud Tips: Common Sense Advice for Buyers and Sellers
OUR POLICY:
rluxurycars.com will never ask you for sensitive personal information such as passwords, bank account or credit card numbers, PINs, or
Social Security numbers via e-mail. Rule number one-use common sense. If an advertisement looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Research the market value of all potential purchases, use our site and other reputable sources to compare pricing. Vehicles offered below market value should be carefully evaluated. We have included some additional resources
below on Internet Fraud and Scams:
What should I do if I see suspicious activity on rluxurycars.com?
If you see suspicious activity Report it to us immediately. Include the Item and Customer Number of the suspicious ad.
If you've been targeted by online fraud, you may bring it to the attention of federal and state law enforcement agencies by filing a complaint with the The Internet Fraud Complaint Center: http://www.ic3.gov
Non-Delivery of Merchandise:
http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetschemes.htm |
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