"Caveat emptor (KAV-ee-aht, KAH-vee-aht EMP-twar)" - Latin for "Let the buyer beware". It means that a customer should be cautious and alert to the possibility of being cheated...

The iOffer team has worked hard to prevent fraud. But we can't do it alone. Buyers should follow the advice of ancient Romans to be cautious and alert. Most sellers are reputable, focused on customer service, proud of their seller reputation, and dedicated to building a business through customer loyalty. However, just like in the offline world, this is not always true. Below is a summary of iOffer security features, safety tips for buyers, and information on additional online fraud resources.

iOffer Security Features

CARNIVORE, a proprietary fraud prevention tool, used successfully since July 2002, works "behind the scenes" to identify fraudulent listings before impacting buyers.

The iOffer rating system provides a numeric designation next to the User ID. This number consists of ratings left by both sellers and buyers. Pay particular attention to the type of rating (positive, negative, neutral) and comments from buyers. For neutral and negative ratings, be sure to "get the whole story" by viewing the listing description, which contains a record of iOffer transaction (pre and post-sale) communications. It's also worthwhile to check out any seller negative ratings received as a buyer. Typically, poor buyers don't make good sellers. And remember the old adage, "there are two sides to every story".

iOffer is a fast growing trading community. Many sellers are newly registered (see "Member Since" in rating) and therefore have a low rating number. Although new to iOffer, the seller may have extensive online trading experience and/or be using iOffer as a sales channel for an established offline business. Be sure to see if the seller has a personal profile and iOffer Store description to obtain more seller information.

Recently implemented buyer warning messages, provide pop-up alerts based on criteria such as seller rating, length of iOffer registration, non U.S. accounts, item price, and item category. If you receive a buyer warning message, be sure to "do your homework" to confirm you're comfortable with the transaction.

And finally, it's very easy to ask seller questions from the item description page. If you don't get a response or don't like the answer, take your business elsewhere. Also, this feature has been recently enhanced to request additional pictures. Pictures can help to verify item condition and authenticity.

Safety Tips for Buyers

In addition to using the iOffer security features described above, please consider the following common sense guidelines:

• Trust Your Gut - If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Shipping Charges - Many reputable sellers include a reasonable handling charge with shipping. However, unreasonable handling charges should be avoided.
• Insurance - If you want insurance, make sure it's available for purchase or included with the seller's shipping method.
• Tracking - Although tracking (aka confirmation) does not insure an item against loss or damage, it does confirm the item was shipped. This feature is included with some carrier services and must be purchased with others. If used, be sure to get the tracking number.
• Know What You're Buying - If you're buying an item that is known to be frequently knocked off, counterfeited, reproduced, boot legged, or in some way faked, be sure you can authenticate an original.
• Payment Methods - Be careful of a seller requesting only cash or wire transfer payment. If PayPal is offered, ask the seller to identify the PayPal account type and their seller reputation number. For non U.S. sellers, be sure that PayPal is accepted in their country. For more information, see PayPal Help. Also, if you pay by credit card, you will have consumer protection per the terms of the user agreement. However, this may not be the case with a debit card payment.
• Escrow - Escrow services act as middlemen for high priced items, holding the buyer's payment (vs. buyer sending payment to seller) until item receipt and condition is confirmed. Beware of fraudulent escrow services!
• Fraudulent Emails and Websites - Never respond to an email requesting account or credit card information. This is called "Phishing". Also, be sure that sensitive information is not entered into a "spoof" web site. Always check the URL.
• Off Site Trading - If you buy outside of iOffer, you will not have access to our security features.
• Documentation - iOffer maintains transaction communications in the item description. However, there may be some post transaction emails, shipping notifications, payment receipts, etc. If so, be sure to maintain copies, in case you have a problem.

Additional Online Fraud Resources

Local Police (your area and the seller's)

Better Business Bureau ( www.bbb.org )

IFCC - Internet Fraud Complaint Center ( www.ifccfbi.gov )

Shipping Carrier ( www.usps.com , www.ups.com , www.fedex.com , etc.)

Anti-Phishing Working Group ( www.anti-phishing.org )

Federal Trade Commission ( www.ftc.gov )

PayPal Security Center