Online Scams & Fraud

Amy_TradingPost — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:46:01 GMT

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

The internet is a great place for criminals to operate - they rely on being able to remain anonymous and on avoiding law enforcement by placing ads in different countries from the one they live in.

Always keep in mind that Trading Post is for buyers and sellers located within Australia only. If you are contacted by either a buyer or seller stating that they are located overseas, you should exercise extreme caution and report the user to us immediately.

Keep a look out for scams.

1. Fraudulent sellers usually advertise high-value items for sale at a price well below market value. These are usually:

· Cars

· Motorbikes

· Caravan

· Tractors

· Computers/Laptops

· Gaming consoles

· Any other high value item

2. Fraudulent sellers correspond by email - they usually do not reside in Australia.

3. The contact numbers are usually disconnected or incorrect.

4. The sale is urgent (e.g. divorce, moving overseas).

5. The method of payment is Western Union money transfer.

6. There is no opportunity to view the item or speak to the seller directly

If you see an ad with any of these characteristics DO NOT RESPOND.

Always be vigilant when trading online.

1. ALWAYS check out whether they actually own or possess the vehicle.

2. DON’T USE MONEY TRANSFER SERVICES - such as Western Union - once the $ have transferred, it’s gone!

3. ALWAYS check out seller's contact details

4. WATCH OUT: Trading Post® does not offer insurance or purchase protection.

5. Trading Post® DOESN’T HAVE a live chat service so don’t trust anyone that says it does.

6. If the ad DISAPPEARS from Trading Post® then it could be a scam. Ask us about it.

If you have already sent money via Western Union money transfer, you need to act quickly!

Call Western Union on 1800 173 833 and request that they immediately stop the transaction.

Contact Trading Post by email on investigations@tradingpost.com.au

If you think you see a fraud ad contact us immediately.

Email us on investigations@tradingpost.com.au

For more information on Fraud, check out the following links:

http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/693900

http://www.419legal.org/blog/2009/03/18/western-union-scam-how-promptly-you-can-spot-and-avoid/

http://www.westernunion.com.au/info/fraudIndex.asp

http://www.afp.gov.au/national/major_fraud/internet_scams

http://www.ahtcc.gov.au/tech_crimes_types/fraud.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_fraud

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Online Scams & Fraud