Beware of internet fraudsters - police (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Beware of internet fraudsters - police

1:44pm Friday 10th August 2007 in Chard By Joanna Glover

SHOPPERS in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne are being warned to be aware of fraudsters when buying or selling goods over the internet.

The call comes after police in the area were asked to deal with a reported fraud in which goods were despatched following a sale agreed over the Internet, but no payment was received.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Andy Lloyd said: "More and more people are using the Internet as an easy way to buy and sell goods.

"As with any area in life, some of those people will be unscrupulous and we're hearing of more fraud being committed in this way. Our advice is to be vigilant when trading online."

Tips when shopping on the Internet include setting your web-browser to its highest security level, using the most up-to-date version of your browser and only entering credit card details when you see a padlock symbol on the page and 'https' at the beginning of the web address.

Sgt Lloyd added: "If you're buying or selling using and online auction site, make sure you follow the trading advice offered by the site and consider using any internet banking service it recommends. Following their recommendations should give you some protection if things go wrong.

"If you're approached by a buyer or vendor who wants to ignore the rules and recommendations of the site, ask yourself why. It's just as well to be suspicious of anyone operating outside the usual site rules, as they may be trying to con you."