Online auctions offer just about every product imaginable. Although there are legitimate sellers, there is a danger that products may be misrepresented or not delivered. The Internet Crime Complaint Center shares the tell-tale signs of potential online auction fraud to Internet users.
Beware of a seller posing as a United States resident who then sends an email saying that he is overseas or asks for money under a different name. The fund requests are usually through Western Union, MoneyGram or wire transfers, and therefore cannot be recovered.
On the seller side, be wary of buyers who request for shipping to another country through ways that avoid customs or duties, and for credit card purchases where the cardholder’s address is not the shipping address. The authorization of the cardholder should always be obtained first.