Elementary Solutions Ltd

These days it is common for business and personal transactions to take place over the Internet.  Purchases, banking, investments, travel and even relationships (online dating) can be arranged via the Internet without ever meeting the person or company you are dealing with.

In the old days if you met a person who looked suspicious you probably wouldn't deal with them.  But on the Internet, when all you have to go on is a website, it is more difficult to identify dodgy people and dodgy deals.

Click here for advice on how to find out who is behind a website, and how to spot the dodgy ones.

We also have a list of known threats and scams you should avoid.

Advice for Dealings on the Internet

• Don't trust information just because it appears on the Internet.
• Don't assume that an attractive website is a guarantee of a substantial and trustworthy organisation.
• Look for real-world contact details (physical address and phone number) and contact the organisation personally to verify.
• Beware of organisations where you can only reach a receptionist or message-taking service - fraudsters often hide behind serviced offices and answering services.  Wait for a representative to return your call personally.
• Take extreme care with any transaction where you are required to pay money up-front to a person or organisation you have not personally met.
• Beware of divulging personal information on the Internet to anyone you do not know - your information could be used for Identity Theft.
• And, of course, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!