Buying Online? Don't Get Ripped Off

I am ready to spit nails. A few weeks before Christmas, I Googled "remote control spyplane" so I could buy my son his big Christmas gift. Joseph Farr, from Honest Joe's Auctions http://honestjoesauctions.ecrater.com/ said he had the plane, but I needed to send him a check. He was the only vendor I found who could get the plane, and I was desperate. I sent the check against my better judgement.

A couple weeks' later, Joe e-mailed to say he couldn't get the plane from his supplier, but that he was refunding my check. That was nearly three months ago. I never got my money.

Stupid to send a check? Perhaps, but the business seemed legitimate and Joe responded promptly to my e-mails. I thought I was safe.

Not so. Fortunately, I had some options, including filing a Ripoff Report which sent "Honest" Joe to the top of the heap in Google, with my complaint front and center. I also contacted the chief of police in his town to file a criminal complaint, plus the Better Business Bureau, who is working on the case. I may contact his bank to alert them to the fact that they have stolen funds in their institution.

Save yourself some trouble if you buy goods online. Only buy from reputable sources with valid phone numbers. Test their e-mail. Don't trust web sites just because they appear professional. And use a credit card, so you can stop payment if need be. I wish I had.

For more on avoiding Internet scams, visit http://www.sec.gov/investor/pubs/cyberfraud.htm