How can one check the authenticity of a seller/ website when shopping online?

Question

A close friend of mine recently made a money transfer to purchase for an IT gadget online.It turns out to be some internet scam/ fraud, as he found out much later, to his dismay...Please advise-thanks.

Answer 1

There are always reliable mechants either online or offline. For online, you can check if the web has SSL or its programing tech. if it is high, it must be costed a lot by the web builder. it may be a reliable seller.

Or you check their payment system, Paypal is safer. Please bear in mind that westerunion or bank transfer must be made after several times of transcations between you and the seller.

Answer 2

I agree with what others have said about money transfer.

In general terms, find the contact details and send or email a simple query - if they answer in good time and give a satisfactory answer, then go ahead. It doens't even matter what the question is, you just want to check that they will answer.

Answer 3

any time a seller ask for a wire transfer/western union you can bet it's a scam.  I look for people who take paypal because paypal is safe, secure and offers protection if you don't receive your item.

Answer 4

Money transfers are one of the hardest to recover, tell him never to do business that way again/