UNIQUE WEBSITE WILL HELP COMBAT GROWING PROBLEM OF ONLINE AUCTION FRAUD

A new web-based service launches this week that aims to combat the growing problem of online auction fraud.

On average some 12.5 million transactions were completed on auction sites worldwide every single day during 2004, of which 250,000 turned out to be fraudulent – with sellers failing to deliver the goods, buyers giving bogus credit card details or people selling stolen or counterfeit goods.

It is also not unknown for the buyer to claim against Paypal for non receipt of goods and receive a refund when in reality goods have been received and are already being sold on. So many criminals are nowadays making use of the opportunities open to them through online auctions, that any one of us could become a victim of this latest type of scam.

Now, by registering with www.reportauctionfraud.com members of the public and businesses using online auction sites can check out buyers and sellers for just 50p. Details are verified immediately by accessing an up-to-the-minute database established by Early Warning (UK), the organisation that monitors online and credit card fraud.

Registration is free and takes only a few minutes, after which you are set up to make checks online. If you have already fallen victim to auction fraud, you can use the website to add information about your own case so that others can be warned, the information is then instantly available to the police should they wish to view it.

Andrew Goodwill, Managing Director of Early Warning and an adviser on online fraud to the Police, banks and financial institutions, explains: "Auction sites try to protect their customers from fraud with their own feedback service but regrettably there are still gaps. That’s why we set up www.reportauctionfraud.com to provide extra protection for members of the public and businesses alike. We believe that users will access the system responsibly and the company has developed techniques to limit abuse."

-Ends

For further information please contact Andrew Goodwill on 0870 874 4999 or email admin@early-warning.co.org.uk

PR contacts: Anthony Gilsenan / Andy Smith 01372 749556