Web of Deceit

Posted on 1 Jul 2004 at 11:28

HOW TO STAY SAFE
Don't think bid padders have an easy life. The auction site eBay in particular has taken steps to make the practicalities of shilling less straightforward. First, though sellers can have more than one registered eBay account, according to the auction site's online FAQ "there can never be any interaction (especially in the areas of bidding or feedback) between the accounts". Sellers are also explicitly forbidden within eBay's rules from bidding on their own lots.

This doesn't stop fraudsters using a network of accomplices to swell the price of goods. To stay one step ahead when bidding, always know the rough value of what you're buying. There has seldom been a unique auction on eBay so watch auctions of similar items and see if you can spot patterns of who bids on what and the prices lots sell for.

The best defence is self-control. Don't get sucked into a bidding frenzy; set your maximum bid through research and never go above it.

SCAM 9: WORK FROM HOME

You may receive an email offering you the opportunity to work from home and make 'a large income' from work that is 'in great demand' with 'no experience necessary.' Sadly, however, the only person who will make any money is the employer.

HOW TO STAY SAFE
There is always a sting in the tail. The worker is generally required to send money up front. Some require you to buy materials and often you have to sell the finished items you make yourself. In some schemes the employer promises to buy the products you've made. This sounds safer but often the employer claims that the goods are not of a sufficient quality, although quality was never discussed in the first instance.

People do manage to work from home. However, they read the small print and ask questions before accepting an offer that sounds enticing. You should do the same. Ask all about it and if you don't receive answers or the answers you receive are vague, walk away. You should also make sure everything is in writing, not just verbal confirmation and promises.

SCAM 10: FAKE ESCROW

EBay recommends you use an escrow if you spend over £250. An escrow is a trusted third party that holds the buyer's cash. When the buyer has received the goods and is happy with them, they instruct the escrow to send the money to the seller. Fake escrow sites take your money and, rather than sending it on to the seller, keep it.

HOW TO STAY SAFE
Use a reputable and well-known escrow recommended by the auction site, not the seller. If you use only the escrow recommended by eBay or your favourite auction site, you'll be safer. Also keep an eye on eBay's forums. EBay has a very strong community and if anyone is ripped off, news will soon spread.

Author: Martin Cooper