Security & Resolution Center


		Choose A Topic

		Buying & Paying Selling Rules & Policies

		Law enforcement & third party resources Case Study Privacy Central Marketplace Safety Tips Frequently Asked Questions

		Stopping online viruses Deterring identity theft Avoiding fraud Stopping spoof emails & Web sites

Avoiding Fraud

Online fraud can take many forms. In many cases, online fraud can be deterred by following a few simple practices.

Just as consumers should take obvious measures to protect themselves in conventional stores - not leaving a purse in an unguarded shopping cart, protecting their PIN (personal identification number) at checkout, not carrying large amounts of cash in their wallets - online shoppers should consider sensible precautions as well.

Safety Tips

Learn as much as possible about the product and seller.
Understand the retailers' refund and return policies.
Use a secure checkout and payment process.
If an offer sounds highly suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.

Safety Tips

1. Learn as much as possible about the product and seller.
Shoppers who are familiar with the merchants from whom they're buying feel the most secure. The Internet offers a platform for retailers to provide detailed information that empowers buyers to research the products and companies they are interested in. Shoppers might also learn about a retailer through its reputation, from previous purchases, from referrals through friends or from reviews and comments left by other shoppers.

2. Understand the retailers' refund and return policies.
Look for and ask about the refund and return policy. Questions to ask include: the required timeframe in which a buyer must contact the retailer and return the item; whether a full refund or a merchandise credit will be offered; and, whether an item that has been opened can be returned. If no refund policy exists, consumers may be able to take advantage of buyer protection programs, if offered by the retailer or the consumer's payment service provider. These protection programs ensure that if there is a problem with a transaction, the consumer's payment will be covered or refunded as a result.

3. Use a secure checkout and payment process.
Many Web sites use a technology called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt any personal and financial information sent over the Internet. To know if the retailer is encrypting information, look for the display of a locked padlock at the bottom of the Internet browser you are using.

When it comes to choosing which method to use for online payments, consumers should take precautions before entering credit card or checking account information at each retailer they visit. By entering this information on several different merchant Web sites, the likelihood of it being compromised increases. A safe and easy-to-use online payment service allows shoppers to enter account information only once, at a highly secure and reputable site that then protects this financial information from intruders.

4. If an offer sounds highly suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. As with any purchase, shoppers should read the fine print (or, in some instances, click the links describing the purchase agreement). While Internet retailers frequently offer lower prices than conventional stores, shoppers should be wary of unreasonably low bargain prices or unusually attractive promises.
Back to top

Copyright © 1995-2008 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

eBay official time