Internet Auction Fraud: The Silent Victims
Kyo M. Dolan · 2004
Internet auction fraud is one of the fastest growing Internet crimes. This is shocking, because it has somehow managed to stay below the radar for so long. It has not been perceived as a serious problem for a number of reasons including the relatively small monetary losses that the victims suffer. That is one reason victims are reluctant to report the fraud. Others include the supposition that law enforcement will not assist them, a feeling of embarrassment, and not knowing how to report it. In March 2003, an online victimization survey was conducted in conjunction with the National White Collar Crime Center. Some of the survey results are as follows: eBay is the most utilized Internet auction house; most victims reported the crime to the auction house; more than half of the victims did not research the sellers; and non-delivery of the product was the method most commonly utilized. Interviews with Internet auction house officials were also conducted to obtain information to determine what they are doing to respond to the problem, and what proactive measures they are taking to combat the problem. The officials rely heavily upon the auction participant themselves to utilize prudent practices such as doing research on the seller, use safe paying practices, and to inform officials of any wrongdoing. Being able to gain a clear understanding of how the crime is perpetrated, who the victims are, and why the victims do not report the crime, will better position law enforcement to prevent new victims and identify the perpetrators involved. This project not only sets an example of what needs to be done in combating this crime, but acts as a staging ground for future research.