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The phenomenal growth of internet-based online shopping in recent years has given consumers everywhere a new and quick way to purchase items from across Alberta and indeed from throughout the world.

Unfortunately online shopping has also attracted its share of fraudsters and crooks who are making it their business to turn consumers into victims.

As part of Fraud Awareness Month the provincial government is trying to do more to fight online shopping fraud. And the key message is that individual awareness of the potential pitfalls is one of the best ways to prevent being victimized.

"A few minutes researching consumer rights and seller obligations will ease your online shopping experience and help safeguard your personal information," says Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk.

"Scams aren’t new. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious about the promise of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase."

Working in conjunction with police, the province has identified a number of things individuals and businesses should be on the lookout for when it comes to online shopping fraud artists.

• Hidden addresses – Watch out for businesses that try to sell goods or services using anonymous e-mail addresses or post office box numbers.
• Vague references – Claims such as "thousands of satisfied customers" may sound good, but they are also impossible to verify.
• Promises of large returns – Whenever huge returns are offered, it’s a good idea to question where and how those returns are possible.
• Claims that "This is not a scam" – No legitimate business will make it a point to point out their legality.
• Hidden expenses - Be wary of advertisements promising no start-up costs and then asking for a one-time-only fee.

As with other types of fraud, consumers can protect themselves from online shopping crime by following a few simple steps: safeguard personal information by being careful and cautious about what personal information you share and with whom; use caution when giving out credit card information online; and ensure the online shopping site is secure by looking for a website address starting with https:// or a lock icon on your browser.

While consumers can protect themselves by keeping a watchful eye on their online transactions and by ensuring that they don’t give the criminals the information they need to conduct their crimes, individuals and businesses can also help by promptly reporting frauds to police when they do occur.

The rise of online shopping has created many worthwhile new opportunities for individuals and groups. Hopefully efforts to fight online fraudsters and criminals will succeed in making this new technology safe and secure for everyone’s use.