WHY THIS GUIDE?
The world of buying and selling can be a tricky and dangerous place. While there have always been scams, the Internet allows scams, hoaxing and phishing to go practically unchecked. It is very difficult to find scammers, meaning that it is difficult to prosecute or get your lost money back. Unfortunately, this also means that much of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the consumer.
The best way to protect yourself is to be educated on your rights and know how to avoid scams.
FTC
Much of the information in this guide comes from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is the premiere collection of federal consumer information. It also regulates competition between businesses and enforces consumer protection laws.
This guide highlights selective consumer topics. For more information or for information regarding business practices, please visit the FTC website.
