Auction websites
Be smart about selling orbuying from auction websites such as eBay, Oztion, and Grays Online.
Online auction sites have become popular for all the same reasons as online shopping. They offer thepossibility of picking up a bargain and finding unusual or hard-to-find items.
Like all transactions on the internet, there are some simple and common sense steps you can take to make sure your online auction experience will be assafe as possible.
Steps for safe shopping online
- Make sure your computer is secure—follow the advice in the Secure your computer section of this website.
- Always conduct transactions within the auction website and avoid private contact with buyers or sellers—scammers will often use this ploy to 'offer a better deal'.
- Keep printed and/or electronic records of all bids, item descriptions, emails to and from the seller, and transaction records or receipts.
- If the website uses a feedback rating system, check all comments left by previous buyers and sellers.
- Use a secure payment method such as PayPal, BPay, or credit card (where charge-back can be used).
- Only pay via a secure web page (one that has a valid digital certificate).
- Avoid money transfers and direct debit, because they can be open to abuse.
- Never send banking or credit card details via email—only use a secure web page for payment. For more information see Shopping online.
- Always print and keep a copy of the transaction.
- Consider using the insurance offered by the auction facility (or another suitable provider).
- Check the information on auction websites to help potential buyers and sellers.
- Take the time to read the information about ways to reduce the risk on the auction site and the terms and conditions of contracts entered into by bidders and sellers.
Further information
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has a booklet titled 
The Little Black Book of Scams, which has a section (in the third section of the booklet) on how to deal safely with online auction sites.
InternetAuctions.
