Buyers' Checklist

Buying online has become one of the fastest ways to obtain goods and services without leaving home but at the same time you need to use precautions when you buy online.

To help you we have compiled a checklist of steps you should take before committing to buy online.

Below is a list of steps you should take for ALL online purchases, but we also have a list of steps you should take when purchasing a vehicle or real estate and when looking for a new job.

1. Read through our section on Internet Scams.
2. Make sure that you know exactly what you are purchasing. Always ask plenty of questions and ask for more photos if you need to. Also make sure that you know where the item is coming from, if it is coming from overseas it may well be a scam.
3. Make sure you understand how the item is being delivered and if postal insurance is an option. Where at all possible arrange to pick up the item yourself. This ensures you know exactly what you are buying and allows you to check for any defects. You can also arrange to pay for the item when you pick it up ensuring that you’re not paying for something you don’t want.
4. Choose a secure method to pay for your item. Paying for an item in person, once you’ve had a chance to inspect it, is the best and most secure method but is not always practical. Escrow services and PayPal can offer you some protection against fraud.
5. Make sure you know where your money is going. If you are asked to deposit it in an overseas account you should be very suspicious of the seller.
6. DO NOT send cash by mail and NEVER give out your credit card or bank details.
7. If an item is “too good to be true”, e.g. if it is very cheap, we suggest that you look around for similar items in the same price range. If you don’t find any you should be suspicious of the item.
8. If you are at all unsure about an item, its delivery or payment method, question the seller and if you don’t receive a satisfactory answer DO NOT BUY IT!

Cars

1. Test drive the vehicle.
2. Do a background check on the vehicle to make sure that it hasn’t been in any accidents, is not a repairable write-off, is stolen, or under encumbrance. If the vehicle is under encumbrance, it can be repossessed by the seller's financial institution if not sorted before purchase.
3. Check that the person you are purchasing from is the rightful owner of the vehicle. Ask them for documentation of ownership.
4. Check the vehicle’s log books.
5. Check that the vehicle’s registration is current.
6. Have the car inspected by a professional like a mechanic or motoring body.

Real Estate

1. Thoroughly inspect the property.
2. Have the property inspected by a qualified building inspector.

Jobs

Below is a list of things to watch for so you do not fall victim to a scam when looking for new work.

• Beware of stay at home jobs and business oppourtunities which require a "start-up fee".
• Beware of fake "recruitment agencies" who charge a fee for services they do not preform. Throughly inspect potential recruitment agents and insist on a face to face interview before handing over any money. For more information on this please click here.
• Do not apply for jobs which promise you a percentage if you transfer money for other people.

These lists are not comprehensive and OzFreeOnline recommends them only as a basic guide to purchasing and applying for work online.

For more information on potential scams please visit SCAMwatch, a government funded website.

Still can't find what you are looking for?

Contact OzfreeOnline:
OzFreeOnline
3/118 Church St
Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Phone: 1300 365 505
E-mail: help@ozfreeonline.com