| National Desk |

| International Desk |

How to avoid fraud - FOR BUYERS

1. Check the credibility of your supplier before engaging in business

Be sure to check the credibility of your supplier/manufacturer before engaging in any business activity over the internet. You can check the backgrounds of established manufacturers/supplier by asking their previous trade record and sound trade references from their respective country. Be especially vigilant when dealing with new businesses.

2. Use Extra Cauton wiith High Valued Items

Few certain types of items like computers, jewelry, electronics, etc.) carry a higher fraud risk and require additional checking before completing the sale. Do additional checking, especially with popular items that tend to be sold out in stores. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. They usually are. Be suspicious of sellers offering very low prices for hard to find items who seem to have a large number of these same products. If a seller is offering a number of the same items, ask to speak with the seller's supplier. Independently verify that the supplier is a legitimate business with the correct address and phone number through a telephone directory or by calling directory assistance.

3. Payment

Letter of Credit and Escrow are the recommended payment methods
Letter of Credit (L/C). A Letter of Credit is the preferred payment method. However, there is some possibility of fraud due to incorrect or forged shipping documents. Minimize the potential for fraud by contacting the L/C issuing bank. Be sure to check the L/C number, opening date, opening place, name and address of the issuing bank, shipping date, valid date, loading and unloading port, applicant, period of presentation, amount, as well as details of transshipment, partial shipment, etc.

4. Escrow

Escrow.com is the transaction settlement service used by many of the leading e-Commerce sites, including eBay and eBay Motors. Escrow.com acts as a secure third party to protect the Buyer and Seller. (but refer to www.escrowfraud.com)

5. Avoid T/T (Telegraphic Transfer payment)

It is unwise to accept an overseas supplier's request for pre-payment. In most cases, a request for T/T payment involves attempted fraud.

6. Avoid Payment by Western Union

Most of the fraudulent cases reported at many b2b portals involve payment via Western Union. After a buyer sends funds, the receiving breaks contact and party disappears. You cannot trace the real name of an account holder with a wiring service such as Western Union.

Exercise caution when purchasing items with a significantly delayed delivery date. Delivery dates further than 20 days after your payment involve more risk. Be aware that PayPal sellers are not allowed to sell goods with delivery dates delayed more than 20 days from the date of payment.

You should make a trade contract and keep it for a specific period to prevent argument. The contract should include sales conditions, payment method, an arbitration clause, quality inspection, etc.

Call the company's phone number and check that the person you are in touch with actually works for the company. Be suspicious of any trader who uses only an e-mail address and cell phone and is reluctant to reveal a telephone number. Maintain frequent contact and ask in detail about price, quality, payment method, contracts, etc. Genuine traders will respond positively and promptly. Most successful internet traders maintain close contact with business partners and reply promptly to inquiries.

E-mail Address: Do not rely on e-mail to contact a business partner. Even if the company has its own domain name, you may not be able to trace its owner. Fax Number: Look out for companies that use the same number for telephone and fax. They are likely to be small businesses. Also, it is best to avoid companies that list only a fax number in their contact information.
Website address: An impressive website does not guarantee the honesty or existence of a company. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security.

Request samples to check the quality of product. Order a sample before committing to a purchase order to be sure that the product meets your expectations. Don't forget to pay for samples.

Be wary of potential partners who offer a particularly high or low price in the first instance. It is easy to be tempted by such offers, but they are most often attempts to defraud. This method is most commonly employed in the mobile phone and computer-related business.

1. Track your package

Maintain proof that the buyer received your package and create a better customer experience. Promptly send the tracking number to your buyer so they can feel satisfied as they monitor its delivery progress. Use delivery confirmation as an added precaution.

2. Watch for address inconsistencies

A shipping address that is different from the billing address is fairly common, however this could be a fraud indicator. For instance, a high-priced item that has a billing address in one country and a shipping address in another may be suspicious.

3. Beware of unusual buyer requests

Unusual requests should put you on alert to suspicious activity. A few examples are buyers who:
I- Want a rush shipment at any cost
II- Do not make their payment in full

4. Provide clear and detailed descriptions

Let your buyer know exactly what to expect. Give a detailed description of your item and include pictures. Also make sure to state your return policy clearly in a place where your buyer will be sure to see it.

5. Respond to buyer inquiries promptly

Let your buyer know that you are listening. Respond promptly and courteously to their questions.
Encourage mediation
If a buyer threatens to file a chargeback against you, remain professional and encourage them to instead file a claim at the Resolution Center on the PayPal website. This process is faster and often less painful for both parties. PayPalâs Resolution Team will arbitrate the dispute and work toward a fair resolution that satisfies both seller and buyer. And PayPalâs resolution services are free of charge.

Fraud Reporting - Related Sites