Taking Advantage of Ecommerce
A Home Business Article Contributed by Cassandra l. Keller
Taking Advantage of Ecommerce
Ecommerce has grown globally over recent years, making the Internet a highly popular place to do business for both businesses and consumers. Sadly, there are con artists also cashing in on the ecommerce boom. The following are some "Don Cons, " that according to the Federal Trade Commission, you need to beware of while shopping on the Net.
Ecommerce Auctions
Ecommerce auctions or Internet auctions lure customers into their "virtual marketplace" that offers a large selection of products for a price the consumer can't refuse. Unfortunately, after the consumer sends in their money, they often receive an item of lesser quality than they ordered. Even worse, the ecommerce shopper receives nothing at all.
To prevent this from happening, when bidding through an ecommerce auction, review the seller and pay with a credit card or escrow service.
Credit Card Fraud on the Ecommerce Consumer
Ecommerce consumers can easily become victims of credit card fraud when sharing their credit card number to view adult images online for free. To prevent this from happening, the ecommerce consumer is advised to share their credit card information only when purchasing from a reliable company. If you are taken advantage of, dispute the charges with your credit card company.
International Modem Dialing, an Ecommerce Scam
Another ecommerce scam targeted at individuals seeking adult material and pornography comes in the form of the international modem dialing con. The consumer is invited to download a "viewer" or "dialer" computer program to view the material. The catch is their modem is disconnected and reconnected to the Internet through an international long-disttance number billed to their phone bill.
To prevent this from happening, do not download these "free" services without reading all the disclosures for cost information. Also be sure to review your phone bill.
Ecommerce Multilevel Marketing Plans and Pyramids
Ecommerce multilevel marketing plans and pyramids is another common "dot con." This scam offers consumers a way to make money by selling products and services and recruiting more people into the program. However, once enrolled, the ecommerce consumer reveals that they've bought into plans and programs that host other distributors as their customers and not the general public. Also, some of these ecommerce programs are illegal pyramid schemes.
To avoid being taken advantage of, do not participate in plans that require you to recruit distributors, buy inventory or commit to a minimum sales volume.
Travel and vacation offers
Ecommerce consumers are often enticed by offers of luxurious trips at bargain-basement prices. However, the consumers generally receive lower-quality accommodations and services than advertised by the company. Even worse, some do not receive their trip at all. To protect yourself from this con, get references on any travel agency you plan to do business with. Also, request information about the trip in writing, including their cancellation policy.
Ecommerce business opportunities
Ecommerce business opportunities are another common scam. The "opportunity" usually promises you can earn high-dollar being your own boss. The catch is you invest and end up earning nothing at all. As a safety net, talk to other people involved in the opportunity and get all their promises in writing before signing with the company.
