How To Report Online Auction Fraud And How To Check If The Items Are Stolen - By: Simon J

When shopping online at any of the popular online auction websites there is always a chance the goods you purchase may be stolen. This is especially true for electronic goods such as power tools, mp3 players, and portable games machines.

The more portable the item and the larger the auction site the greater the potential for online fraud to occur simply based on the size and number of goods for sale. Having said that online auction sites such as ebay co-operate closely with law enforcement, have strict policies in place and make these part of every sellers responsibility.

Nonetheless online auction fraud is increasing and being prepared and smart online will help protect you from being a victim….

-=I Think I Have Bought Stolen Goods, What Now?=-

First, don’t panic. If you have bought the items in good faith and had no knowledge that it was stolen then it is probable, in most states in Australia, you would not be prosecuted as the court must prove you had knowledge the items were stolen when you purchased. You may however have to surrender the goods without any compensation – but of course check with your local police station or a solicitor for clarification.

Secondly most auction sites have a buyer/seller dispute resolution service enabling you to seek a refund and return , proof of purchase or alternate method you and the seller can negotiate to resolve your issue.

” In fact in Australia before you can even lodge an online fraud report with the police you must seek to ensure that you are really a victim of online fraud by utilizing these dispute resolution services. “

Once you are sure its time to collate all of your information about the seller. When you reported your dispute you would have been provided the seller’s name, address and telephone details by the auction site, you may have bank details where you deposited monies and you will have your emails from the transaction and any correspondence. These can be used as proof of the location of the seller.

Online Auction Hint: Create a special folder or label in your email client to store all of your Online Auction emails. You may need these later as evidentiary proof if you discover your purchased items are stolen goods and having them easily accessible will make this less painful.

-=Crossing Borders=-

As the laws are different from state to state and country to country it is important to identify clearly where the seller is. This will help you lodge your report with the correct law enforcement agency as they will have different forms, rules and regulations they are required to adhere to, to successfully prosecute.

If you cant clearly identify which state or even country the seller is in, getting a resolution tends to either be more difficult or can take longer. In this instance you will have to work with police to figure this out before you can lodge your fraud report.

If you have followed each of these steps and everything is in order you are ready to hand it over to the police. Depending on which state you live will determine how to do this and it varies from:

Forms you must print and complete manually.
Webforms to complete online
Phone numbers to call.
Mailing addresses
Requirement to visit your local police station.
In all instances you must have proof of following the dispute resolution process from the auction site such as your emails. If the offender is overseas then local law enforcement can prepare the necessary Interpol reports and these reports also help police identify frequent cross border offenders.

Given the amount of legwork you must do as a victim to prove Online Auction Fraud, the best way to avoid this is to ensure the items you are purchasing are not stolen before you purchase.

-=Tips To Protect Yourself When Using Online Auction Sites.=-

1. Check the sellers rating & feedback

2. Read their correspondence carefully and look for irregularities. Do they use different email addresses? Is it that same as their email listed on the item for sale?

3. Use safe payments methods such as PayPal that enable you to track your money and protect your information from sellers and don’t use services that make it hard to trace money such as Western Union

4. Don’t trade outside of the auction site with the seller as you may forgo any protection allowed to you.

5. Request the serial number of the item and use an online serial tracking service to confirm if that number is registered and marked as stolen.

About the Author

Simon John is the co-creator and technologist behind Australia's easiest online service helping protect your tool investments, increasing recovery of stolen tools if you do fall victim and helping reduce power tool theft. Log Your Tools. There's safety in numbers. http://www.tool-log.com.au

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Simon-J/71802

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