Secure your sale

If you are saddled with outdated electronic items or gadgets, the Internet can be a good disposal ground. However, online sales are as prone to identity theft as purchases, with scammers devising ingenious ways to pilfer and profit from personal information. There are also issues related to laws and jurisdictions that you need to consider. Here are a few things you should keep in mind before making an online sale.

Create a Separate Identity
If you are a frequent buyer or seller, it's prudent to have a separate email identity for all transactions. Make sure that this is not linked to any of your other accounts. Use a pseudonym (though, of course, you will have to use your real identity to receive payments, but such options are mostly safe) and don't divulge personal information on these sites. Each fact, be it your date of birth or your mother's maiden name (often a security question), can help a scammer steal your identity.

Safety tips for selling on the net Create a separate e-mail account or identity and use a pseudonym. Keep yourself informed about international laws and regulations. Use a machine with anti-virus software and updated browsers. Post the items for sale only on a confirmed address. Insure your package, especially if it is an expensive product.

Understand the Law
An online sale will attract buyers from all over the world. This is why it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations specific to the buyer's country or state. For instance, pirated or counterfeit goods, including software, movies, music or replica consumer goods, which are likely to infringe on copyright or trademark laws, will have varying penalties in different countries. Besides, certain goods which can be legally sold in one jurisdiction may be prohibited in others.

Be Tech-savvy
Keep updating your browser and install a reliable anti-virus software. Ensure that your password is protected, especially if you have to log in from a public terminal. Use secure modes of payment, such as PayPal, to receive money, as these offer legal protection. PayPal also keeps your personal information hidden from third parties.

For additional security, work only on pages whose address begins with 'https'. In fact, some of the new browsers warn you if a site is not secure. For instance, for IE 7, the URL bar turns green if it detects irregularities. Never click on e-mail links to log into an account as you can be rerouted to a malicious site.

Know your Buyer
Only sell to a buyer with a confirmed address and ship the item after the payment has been made. If the customer is from India and has provided a phone number, call him up, preferably from a public phone. This will authenticate the transaction. Be careful about unusual requests, such as rushed orders at any cost and payments made from multiple accounts. It might mean that these accounts have been hacked. Ensure that your terms are incorporated before the sale is concluded.

Safe Shipping
To avoid losses arising from a lost item, opt for compensation from the postal service provider. Save the receipt and keep track of the package. Keep the buyer updated in case of a delay to ensure that he does not claim non-receipt of the item.