Another scam

[Blaze]

OH has just been caught out ....
He went onto a site for De Dietrich spare parts. It looked completely genuine and it was when OH checked his bank account which he always does straight away, he saw that the amount he authorised wasn't the same as what was going to be debited. He was surprised the bank (Cred Ag) hadn't done the double check code but perhaps for a small amount, about 30€, they don't bother. OH immediately blocked his card and the bank are withholding the payment until the necessary steps have been gone through.

We very rarely order things on line except from known and hopefully reliable sources. It's worth checking out a new website address before ordering anything. We're quite used to the Amelie and similar scams, but this is the first time OH has been caught out on an online purchase.
We're sure that if it had been over, say 100€, the bank would have asked for a verification code which they'd send by email.

Grrrrrrrr - it shows the importance of checking everything first .....

[Sparkle]

I buy on-line but only from Amazon where I've had no problem over 20 + years and companies that accept paypal - if they don't accept paypal then they don't get my custom.

[Pathca]

The scams are looking more and more realistic these days

[Hotrodder]

If you don't have a good history of successful experience with an online site or want to investigate an unfamiliar one there is a simple check.

I put in a Search for an item two days ago and the very first source listed had the item at the cheapest price. I hadn't heard of the site before so I Googled it. "Is XXXX.com a scam site?" There are several scam checker/reputation sites that will have an opinion. After reading low scores I gave it up. Remember, the first site that comes up on a Google search will be the one that paid the most for that high position on the first page, not the one that is the most trustworthy.

[beejay]

I buy on-line but only from Amazon where I've had no problem over 20 + years and companies that accept paypal - if they don't accept paypal then they don't get my custom.

The problem with Paypal is that UK credit cards lose the section 75 benefit. It's true that Paypal have its own scheme for claims and, reportedly, is very good but I would prefer to use my bank's system if needed. UK debit cards have a charge back scheme which is reported as useful.
It's also wise to check whether payment is made directly to the supplier and not to a market place seller where section 75 will not apply. Essential for ebay and Amazon and similar websites.

Do French banks have similar protection schemes?

[Wilbro]

@Sparkle and
Companies that only accept PayPal don't get my custom.

[exile]

Interesting. Companies that do accept Paypal get my custom. I don't have the same problems of double authentication that I do with debit cards.