Things to take note to prevent e-auction fraud when a consumer participating in an e-auction

E-auction is a part of the strategic sourcing process which is a procurement tool using web-based software that allows suppliers to bid online for a contract for the supply of goods or services. When the bids are reduced and not increased as in a traditional auction, it is called a reverse auction. The objective is typically to arrive at the lowest total cost as distinct from the lowest price. However, there are many cases of e-auction fraud had happened around us. Therefore, we have to prevent our self when participate in an e-auction activity. There are several suggestions that we wish to share with the consumers who perhaps to prevent the e-auction fraud.

1. Do some researches before you participate in an e-auction activity.
Consumers should do some researches about the processes of e-auction and surf some of the e-auction website such as Amazon.com.

2. Read and understand carefully about the e-auction conditions.
Consumers should read the requirements and conditions that the website requested. Bear in mind the specific conditions especially the conditions of payments.

3. Do not simply disclose your personal data and financial information.
If you realized there are some e-mail messages from someone that you do not know for asking your personal data for examples credit card number, account number, or password, don't just send the data without knowing more about who is asking. Never ever give out your social security number or bank account information. Make sure you have thoroughly checked out the seller and the escrow service.

4. Asking for the duration of delivery.
Consumers must ask the seller when delivery can be expected if not specified in the listing. Besides, consumers should ask for the warranty policy, exchange or return if the mechanism is broken or dissatisfied.

5. Asking for the shipping or delivery fees.
Consumers have to read carefully on the listing or asking the seller whether there has extra changes for the shipping or delivery fees. It is to prevent the extra costs or the cost that shouldn't included.

6. Check the delivered goods.
Lastly, when you received the goods, you must check it carefully. If there are any broken or unmatched, you must to return back to the seller within the duration that noted in the conditions.