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

Below are some tips on keeping your risk at a minimum when purchasing items from an online auction website.

~Become familiar with the auction website. Look into the websites protection policies. Never assume you are protected from auction fraud.

~Before placing a bid, learn as much as you can about the seller. If you can’t find anything out about the seller, than avoid doing business with them. Never fall for promises of better deals by moving away from the original auction website.

~If the seller wants you to use an escrow service you’ve never heard of, look into it. Check out the website. Call up customer support. Contact them to digg up data on the business in question. If you can’t confirm the legitimacy, don’t use it.

~Never ever give out your social security number, drivers license number, credit card number, or bank account information until you have thoroughly checked out the seller and the escrow service.

~Always save 100% of the transaction information. You’ll be glad you did in the event your case makes it to court.

~If after the sale you feel the item/payment should have been delivered already, try to work it out with the seller/buyer. If at that point you feel that fraud is involved, immediately contact your state attorney general’s office and the FTC at www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

refferences
http://www.crimcheck.com/background-check-news/whats-internet-auction-fraud-and-how-do-i-prevent-it

E-Goverment in Malaysia: Its implementation so far and citizen's adoption strategies.

E-Government (electronic government, also known as e-gov, digital government, online government or transformational government) is used to refer to the use of information and communication technology to provide and improve government services, transactions and interactions with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.
The E-government initiative was launched to lead the country into the Information Age. It will improve how the government operates internally, and how it delivers services to the people of Malaysia. It improves the convenience, accessibility and quality of interactions with the citizens and businesses. At the mean time, it will improve information flows and processes within government to improve the speed and quality of policy development, coordination and enforcement.

Towards vision 2020, Flagship Applications are engineered to start the MSC initiative and create a multimedia heaven for innovative producers and users of multimedia technology. The 7 pilot projects of the Electronic Government Flagship Application are as follows:

1. Project Monitoring System (SPP II)
2. Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS)
3. Generic Office Environment (GOE)
4. Electronic Procurement (EP)
5. Electronic Services (E-Services)
6. Electronic Labour Exchange (ELX)
7. E-Syariah

REVIEW A LOCAL E-COMMERCE SITE -- Dell.com

As the technology change rapidly nowadays, internet has become a very powerful communication tool in trade. Many of the business transactions have been conducted through the internet in today’s world such as e-commerce which they believe that it is useful and powerful to use. E-commerce is faster and more efficient because the operational cost can be reduced as well as transaction and delivery time. Although the level of trust of Malaysian to e-commerce is still low but there still has a lot of successful e-commerce websites built in Malaysia such as Lelong.com, Dell.com, Nike.com.my and others.

Dell is one of the most famous e-commerce sites that view and use by all the society as it included all the several product, services, support and purchase help to all the users of computer in each country. T
The products included desktops, laptops, servers, storage and networking, monitors, electronics and accessories and as advertised. Besides that, it provides product service and warranty, installation, online training and online service store. The customer service options supported by the dell.com included order and return status, check CARE case status, change of billing address, and others. Dell.com also provide the tips to buy and shop in the Dell stores which may help the users to well known with all the steps in order to make a transaction. It is helpful for the users who are the first time user. The latest update can be found in the forum too. It is a place to the users to ask their question and get the feedback. The users can get more information and well known of the products before making a transaction.

References:- www.dell.com

Corporate Blogging: A new marketing communication tool for companies

The blogging phenomenon has started to make companies view the potential benefits of corporate blogging. They all agree that blogs achieve a mass media effect through the high level of networking in the blogosphere wherein news disseminates very rapidly. The blogosphere has heralded a new communication tool that can influence public opinion of a company. However, companies are slow to react to the growing credibility of corporate blogs as communication channels.


A recent list of Fortune 500 company blogs shows that only 5% of the United States corporations have joined the blogging arena. Companies are treading this still unfamiliar territory with caution and skepticism. They are hesitant to plunge into the scary world of blogging for fear of encountering legal and business risks inherent in blogging such as libel, slander, lawsuits and disclosure of confidential and proprietary information.



Despite the fear, some industry leaders like Microsoft, IBM, Sun Microsystems and General Motors have dived headlong into corporate blogging. These companies recognize that a blog is an immensely effective yet low cost way to boost corporate communications and marketing objectives and at the same time connect with customers and prospects.



A corporate blog makes it easy for readers to find the latest and most accurate information about its new products and services. It can help achieve customer familiarity with the company products or services. Through the corporate blog, a company can converse directly with customers and prospects. Two-way communication creates trust and builds customer relationships.



As the blogosphere do not have exception, it is very risky because not all corporate cultures can tolerate the open, direct communication inherent to make a corporate blog successful. There are instances where blogs could not be reconciled with business practices and regulations. Clearly, there are risks to consider. Risks lie mainly in the content and the character or tone of comments which admittedly can only be censored to a limited degree.



In corporate blogging, goals and missions are of prime importance. For a blog to yield value, it has to be created with specific goals in mind. Some of these goals may be to increase company credibility, enhance customer service and interaction, and give customers a peek of the behind-the-scenes feel of the corporate culture, showcase new products or services and more. The important thing is to be clear about your goals. You have to be sure about what you are trying to get done and stick to them.



Lastly, a blog is not a miracle cure. It will not single-handedly turn your distressed company around. Corporate blogging should be incorporated with other marketing and communication tools to achieve desired results.

The application of pre-paid cash card for consumers.

The application of prepaid debit cards and prepaid credit cards was growth in Asia Pacific almost twice that of the global rate in 2006 according to figures released by Visa International Asia Pacific today. The Prepaid Visa Cash Card is essentially a debit card with which cardholders pay in advance for purchases. Designed for people who have had trouble getting a standard unsecured credit card, the Prepaid Visa can be opened by using a bank account online or mailing in a security deposit, but does not otherwise require a bank account or credit check.

What is prepaid cash card?
Prepaid cash card is a Prepaid Debit or Prepaid Credit Cards work like gift cards at retail stores. Its conviniece to let user deposit any amount they want and then use the card to make purchases up to that amount. These types of cards generally don't require a credit check, and some actually have credit re-builder and rewards programs. User only need to load more money into the account when the balances runs out. Reloadable money can be transferring money from an existing credit card or checking account. Loading money from credit cards or bank accounts can be done on the Internet or by phone. Secondly, it olso allow an employer to deposit onto the card part or all of the money earned through a job. Third, loading funds from a checking or savings account takes 3-5 business days. Loading funds from a credit or debit card is instantaneous

Advantages of Prepaid Cash Cards
First of all, it as a gift card available perfect for friends, family, holidays, or special occasions. The prepaid cash card is convenience as easy to use as a debit or credit card. So if user have a history of poor credit, this may be a smartter choice. Consumer can use the card instead of carrying around cash. Most prepaid cash cards are issued through Visa or MasterCard, which means they are widely accepted around the world. Since the credit limit is determined by the balance on the card, user do not have to make monthly payments. This saves user the hassle of bills and potential late fees. Additionally, some locations may offer discounts with Prepaid Cash Card as payment and its low cost with no annual fees or transaction fees.

Disadvantages of Prepaid Cash Cards
Cost of prepaid cash card through various charges and fees. Many prepaid cards carry an application charge as well as a monthly usage charge. If users are paying a monthly service charge, then they need to make sure that other services are given for this money, such as helplines or added security. Before getting a prepaid card, user should shop around to find the card that has the lowest fees. Although they are not paying interest, these fees can add up and if users don't use the card a lot could cost more when end up spending.

Two to Consider
There are a variety of options available if you want a prepaid debit card. One of these is the READYdebit card issued by Visa. This card has a minimum amount of fees. You can load money for free through direct deposit and bank account transfers. Also, it advertises that all who apply will be approved.

Another option to look into is the Bank Freedom Prepaid MasterCard. No credit check is performed when you apply for this card. There are also very few fees involved. With both of these options, you can enjoy many of the benefits of a credit card without having to worry about having good credit in order to get approved.If you decide to get a prepaid debit card, do some research before you apply for one. Look online at the different choices available. When you find one that fits your needs, fill out the application. The card will arrive in just a few days.

~ Electronic currency ~

Electronic currency is also known as electronic money, electronic cash, digital money, digital cash or digital currency. It is used over the Internet, email, or personal computer to other workstations in the form of secured payments of "cash" that is virtually untraceable to the user. It is backed by real currency from real banks.

The way e-currency works is similar to that of electronic fund transfers done between banks. The user first must have an e-currency software program and an e-currency bank account from which e-currency can be withdrawn or deposited. The user withdraws the e-currency from the account onto her computer and spends it in the Internet without being traced or having personal information available to other parties that are involved in the process. The recipients of the e-currency send the money to their bank account as with depositing "real" cash.

Other than making purchases on the Internet, e-currency can also be found used in entertainment sites - on "gambling tables" in Internet casinos such as PAF Casino and Internet Casino. E-currency allows the exchange of money to be conducted in the same way as in real casinos.
With e-currency, consumers will be more comfortable with transactions over the Internet as it is a one-time transaction that cannot be traced back to the user, whereas with credit cards, hackers can obtain information of the card holder and commit frauds.

With the appearance of e-currency, the need for commercial banks to be involved in electronic banking and to back the electronic currencies becomes more apparent. However, there remains a skeptical view about having monetary transactions done over the Internet as it is a fairly public domain where there is easy access. Thus increasing and promoting commercial bank's interest in the Internet and conducting business over the Internet is necessary in order to further the development of e-currency and commerce in the Internet, as well as improving cryptography and security features of the systems.

E-currency is not completely anonymous as with hard cash since there is always the computer and the network, which can be traced. Also, there is the issue of possible criminal activity within the system by allowing criminals to spend illegal money easier if e-currency untraceable. These issues may only be addressable by some type of cyberspace regulations or laws that regulate the transactions and watch for signs of trouble.

Credit Card debts : Causes and Prevention

Now days it seems that credit cards are almost a necessity, rather than a luxury, which has caused many people to have a huge problem with credit card debt. Many people now have more than one credit card with a balance and you may even be one of those people. If you are one of the millions of people wanting to get out of credit card debt, then you first need to understand what caused the credit card debt problem to begin with.

Causes Of Credit Card Debts :

=> Spending money before you have it

Nothing in life is certain. Do not spend money that are expecting to get in the near future, but that you do not have currently. Whether it is an expected yearly bonus, a birthday present, an inheritance, or anything else, wait until you have the money in your account before you spend it. Or, better yet, save it!

=> Gambling

While this might not seen like as serious or common a cause of debt as the other reasons listed, gambling actually does contribute to a great deal of individuals’ debt problem.

=> Not understanding money

Even with the best of intentions, one can find him- or herself in debt simply by not being educated about finances. Without understanding how money works for you and against you, how it grows and how to use credit to your advantage, you may find yourself in a bad financial situation.

=> Failed business

It is an unfortunate fact that many start-up businesses fail, and when they do the results can be financially devastating for the business owner. Particularly for small businesses, business owners sometimes become personally liable for debts incurred on behalf of their businesses.

=> Not saving

Well now, this should come as no surprise! Saving even a minimal amount each month will allow you to build up an account that can help to protect against any unexpected costs, or against a loss of income, in the future. Remember the saying “pay yourself first”.

=> Relying on your credit cards

Credit cards should be valued for their convenience, but you should not be using them as extra income. If you are putting purchases on credit cards just to make ends meet, then you may be on the verge of serious debt trouble. If you do not have enough money to pay for something in cash, then you really do not have enough to pay for it via credit card either.

If you have credit cards, but have not yet let your spending get out of hand, then now is the time to take stock of your position and make some decisions about your financial future. Ask yourself what do you want those credit cards for? Do you just want them so that you have a source of payment in emergencies, to shop occasionally online, or when you travel abroad? Or do you plan on going on a shopping spree and spending the rest of the year struggling to clear the balance? Most people do not intend to ever use up their credit limits and max out their credit cards, but it is surprisingly easy to do, and can be very difficult to undo.

Prevention Of Credit Card Debts :

=> Photocopy the credit card offer, including the interest rate and terms

Create a letter to your credit card company/companies stating that you are thinking of switching to their competition because they are offering a far more reasonable interest rate. Credit card companies do not want to lose your business. Nine times out of ten they will match or even offer a lower rate than the competition has offered.

=> Pay double the minimum payment

The minimum payment usually pays just enough to cover the interest and a little more that pays down the balance. Paying extra will pay your balance more quickly.

=> Pay off smaller balances first.

It is common for a person to try to focus on their cards with larger balances first. Pay off the smaller ones. It will take less time and you will feel a sense of satisfaction when you have actually completed your goal. This will boost your confidence and make it easier to tackle the higher balances.

=> Cut up your cards

So that you are not tempted to use them. Save one card for emergencies.

=> Pay off credit card with a refinance home equity loan

If you have equity in your home, look into paying off credit card debt with a refinance or fixed-rate home equity loan. Do not use a home equity line of credit, the rates will rise as the prime rises and suddenly you may find it impossible to keep up with your bills.