How can I protect myself against fraud in online trading?
March 5, 2022 | 70,00 EUR | answered by David Rüppel
Dear Lawyer,
My name is Heike Hoffmann and I recently had a negative experience in online shopping. I ordered an item through a well-known internet platform, but it never arrived. The seller is not responding to my messages and I feel cheated. I have tried to get my money back, but without success.
I am worried that something like this could happen to me again and I wonder how I can protect myself from fraud in online shopping in the future. Are there specific measures I can take to ensure that I do not fall victim to scammers? Are there any signs I should watch out for before making a purchase? What legal steps can I take to recover my money if I become a victim of fraud?
I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Heike Hoffmann
Dear Mrs. Hoffmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of business law. I am sorry to hear that you had a negative experience in online trading and that the item you purchased never arrived. Fraud in online trading is unfortunately a widespread problem, so it is important to educate yourself about possible measures to protect yourself from fraud.
To protect yourself from fraud in online trading, there are several steps you can take. First and foremost, always shop on reputable and well-known online platforms to minimize the risk of fraud. Before making a purchase, check the reviews and experiences of other buyers with the seller and look out for signs such as missing contact information or unrealistically low prices.
It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the seller's return policies and warranty conditions to better protect yourself in case of fraud. If you become a victim of fraud and the seller does not respond to your demands, you can take legal action to recover your money.
Initially, try contacting the seller again and set a deadline for a refund. If the seller still does not respond, you can involve a lawyer to enforce your claims. You can also report the case to the police and refer it to the relevant consumer protection authority for investigation.
It is important to keep all relevant documents such as order confirmations, payment receipts, and communication with the seller to support your claims. I recommend contacting an experienced business lawyer immediately to protect your rights and receive appropriate compensation.
I hope my advice helps you and I am available for any further questions. Thank you for your trust and I wish you success in resolving your case.
Best regards,
David Rüppel
