Is it safe to buy from here?

[gramps]

We are seeing more and more questions from members who have seen/bought/attempted to buy 'bargain' priced equipment from an online trader.

Sometimes this is just a general enquiry, sometimes money has been sent and no goods have being received, sometimes there is concern about credit card details passed - what can you do to protect yourself from possible scams?

Remembering three points will help you decide whether or not to risk your money

1. If it is too good to be true it probably is!
   This has always been the case, nobody gives something for nothing.
   Check for pricing on other known websites and High Street shops.
2. Who owns/runs the website?
   A 'whois' check will show who the domain is registered with unless it has a 'privacy' listing - in which case avoid it, no genuine trader will withold their trading name.
   Be wary of domains having links with countries known to have a history of scammers.
3. When did the website become active?
   Again a 'whois' check will tell you when the domain was 'created' - if it's been active for years it is probably okay but it it just came onto the scene in the last few weeks/months, exercise caution.

'Whois' a simple check can be made on a site such as www.whois-search.com but sometimes you need to check on the website of the registrar who issued the domain, visiting their website look for a link to 'whois' and enter the domain name (without the www.) and they will provide the information for you.

Remember most photographic equipment is not cheap, losing your money will be a pain, having your credit card cloned could be a big pain.

Take care and exercise caution before buying or giving credit card details to any website that you haven't researched beforehand.

 

[D-pearce92]

Very good idea, surely this should be stickied as this will come in handy for people who are on this site or people who just view.

 

[twist]

+1. Seems common sense but people always ask about retailers that are to cheap.