e-commerce and crime
Andrew Legg
Social Issues
Michael Sasso explores in his article, Web Fraud Stings Couple, the
scary truth behind e-commerce in the computing era. He portrays the
investment of motorcyclist Dan Holmes on eBay that cost him thousands.
Dan found a 2001 Honda motorcycle for sale on eBay selling for only
$5,000. After buying the bike, he realized he had been a victim of an
e-commerce crime. An imposter from Bulgaria had posed as a legitimate
seller on eBay and took his money. This "phishing" scheme is the latest
form that combines email and e-commerce fraud with identity theft.
These crimes work by targeting the eBay vendor. People pose as eBay
consultant and ask vendors to update their password and information.
Once they have done this, they virtually steal their identity on eBay
and sell false products under the vendor零 name. They then move their
fraudulent transactions off eBay and seal the deal. Often, the imposter
will ask the buyer to communicate outside eBay directly instead of
through the web site. These crimes are becoming today ever more
apparent as more and more computer savvy individuals are using their
smarts to virtually commit theft over the internet. Furthermore, this
is becoming ever more apparent as people willingly give away personal
information which in turn allows others steal their online identity and
wreak their lives.
Article by Michael Sasso
Web Fraud Stings Couple, Computer Crime Research Center,
www.crime-research.org
Eddie Chan
Andrew Legg <al...@student.cs.uwaterloo.ca> wrote:
When reading these kinds of articles, I usually side with the victim but
sometimes, frankly, I can't help but think just how stupid they are.
Personal information should never be conveyed to an outside source or
person you don't know. Ebay is meant to be an auction where items are
sold and bought via a contract. If a contract is not fulfilled, no
transaction or payment shall be made. If payment is made, it should be
refunded as Ebay policy specifically states. If people are losing money
to imposters, they should think twice about the method of payment they
are using. Sometimes, it is better to lose a few dollars and send money
through companies like paypal rather than using certified checks or
money orders. At least, companies like Paypal will reimburse sellers and
buyers if they are victims of fraud in most cases. As well, Paypal gives
you security by making you confirm bank account numbers, credit card
numbers, addresses, etc.