Things to take note to prevent e-auction fraud when a consumer participating in an e-auction

Auction is a market mechanism by which sellers place items for buyers to make bids online. E-auction is auction conducted online and it has been in existence for several years.

However, there may be some fraud conducted by sellers, buyers, or others. This fraud such as bid shielding, shilling, fake photo and misleading descriptions, improper grading techniques, bid siphoning, selling reproductions as originals, failure to pay, failure to pay the Auction House, high shipping costs and handling fees, failure to ship merchandise, loss and damage claims, fake escrow services, switch and return and other frauds.

To prevent e-auction fraud, there are some services provided in internet. For example, Escrow.com protects online buyers and sellers from fraud by providing Escrow service. For buyers, receive merchandise before the seller is paid; for sellers, protect from credit card and payment fraud. For buyers to be protected, Escrow.com tracks the shipped merchandise and verifies it was delivered. Besides, the seller isn’t paid until the buyer accepts the merchandise, or the inspection period expires. For sellers to be protected, Escrow.com confirms when the buyer receives merchandise. Further, the seller is authorized to ship only after Escrow.com verifies good funds.Escrow.com reduces the potential risk of fraud by acting as a trusted third party that collects, holds and disburses funds according to Buyer and Seller instructions. Escrow services are provided by a licensed and regulated escrow company.

Other protecting against e-auction fraud are user identity verification, authentication service, grading services, feedback forum, insurance policy, nonpayment punishment, appraisal services, physical inspection, item verification and other security services.

E-Government in Malaysia: e-filing

e-Filing is an application on filling and filing income tax returns electronically via the internet, which is an alternative to the usual manual from submission. It was first introduced in 2003 by Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). This e-Filing application can be used by all taxpayers who have access to the internet.

There are some basic requirements for e-Filing, such as digital certificate, income tax reference number, internet connection, internet explorer 5.0 software, Adobe Reader 7.05 software and so on. Before commencing e-Filing, taxpayer should prepare his/her IC number, tax reference number which available on the tax form. The e-filing PIN No, LHDN will send the PIN number through the taxpayer’s designated mailing address.

It is easy for taxpayers submit their return form via internet at any time and any place. The data and tax computation also are verified automatically which are more accurate compared to the manual procedure. Furthermore, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) ensures safety of data. When the tax returns are filed manually, refunds are slow and time consumed. Through the e-Filing, the forms can be processed in a short time and this enables refunds to be processed fast.

Taxpayers can now submit their tax details to Inland Revenue Board via e-filing without worrying about making mistakes by making use of TaxSaya, a tax tool (http://www.taxsaya.com/). It is developed by EA-Link System Sdn Bhd, the software comes in three languages, Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin to help taxpayers in understanding the e-filing procedures. After the users fill up sections of the form, it will automatically calculate the amount of tax payable, including offering e-Filing template without having to go through the problems of calculating the tax.

For further information, visit http://e.hasil.org.my/ or call the customer service centre: 1300-88-3010

Review A Local E-Commerce Site ---- CocoBobo.com

CocoBobo.Com Fashion Gallery is a sophisticated and stylish online boutique that offers mainly Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan clothing at affordable price. CocoBobo.com established in 2007, it allows shoppers to enjoy their shopping at anytime, anywhere without the hassle of traffic jam, constraint of parking lot.

CocoBobo.com provides clear image, brief description and measurement to guide shoppers step by step in order to make their shopping experience easy and fun. They also offer FREE Delivery within Malaysia territory with no minimum quantity purchases required. So that shoppers can feel free to drop their order at anytime.

CocoBobo.com does not include sophisticated or large files that may lead to slow down the download speed so that it could be useful in leaving on the shoppers who is the first time on the page. Web of CocoBobo.com contain a lot of pictures that seen to be attractive. They also provide many call to actions such as "Contact us", "How to order", "Add to cart" and so on. By using such call to actions allow shoppers to actively and effectively do something.

CocoBobo.com does not provide any search engine BUT the shoppers can browse by category such as "bottoms", "top" and "dresses" to search for products. By clicking the "Shopping cart" and "Checkout" it make it easy for buyers to check items buy, add or remove items, change quantities, or select different models and styles of a product. It also includes a link to a page detailing customer service policies, such as warranties, delivery guarantees, return policy, and accuracy of information.

Payment method use by CocoBobo.com for Malaysia shoppers is to direct deposit or fund transfer to their Maybank or RHB bank account. Once payment is made the delivery will be processed and the shoppers may expect to receive their goods within 3 to 5 working days.

To enjoy online shopping with CocoBobo.com Fashion Gallery, click here!