Here at MA Security, we’re more than just a provider of security personnel, in addition, we also offer a number of specialised security solutions. One of those is online auction monitoring.
Online auction fraud is among the most common causes of cybercrime reported in Australia each year. In fact, since 2012, it’s reported that there has been a 65% increase with the average person losing somewhere between $100 and $500. Collectively this amounts to something over $93 million. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) suggest that this is simply the tip of the iceberg, as many more are too embarrassed to report crimes of this nature.
However, perhaps the biggest losers in this type of fraudulent activity are the retailers. For example, if someone’s card is misappropriated, their information has been compromised and that information is picked up by a criminal, they will often use it to shop for products online.
If the product is then shipped in good faith by the retailer to the scammer, then those goods are, to all intent and purpose, lost. When the original owner finds that their credit/debit card has been used in this way they will be credited back as they indeed should. However, for the retailer, they simply get a debit against their merchant sales for that day. The problem is so serious that some of the big retailers are losing over $1 million a year in what is known as ‘card not present fraud‘
For this reason, many companies including some of the largest online auction sites such as eBay, Gumtree, and Etsy are hiring specialist security services to monitor their online auction sites to keep a watchful eye on what is known as a rogue activity.
So how can you as an individual protect yourself from online auction fraud?
Here are some pointers…
- Always check out the listing thoroughly – If it appears too good to be true, then alarm bells should be ringing
- Always make a payment on the auction site and never by money transfer. Instead use a recognised service such as PayPal which protects your money, until resolution of any problems
- Don’t click on links the seller sends to you
- Make sure you read the website terms and conditions, particularly with attention to dispute resolution.
- Only buy from reputable traders with a history of positive feedback.
Internet auction sites are still very popular and are a great way to bag yourself a bargain or that must-have item you’ve been looking for. So by individuals being shopping savvy and retailers being more security-aware about where their goods are going and who their buyer is, it’s possible to have a better, safer experience all round.
For further information about our online auction monitoring service, why not talk to one of our experienced team today. Call us on 1300 020 406 to find out more.
