With the explosion of e-commerce, the potential for a buyer to be taken advantage of has increased. Here are a few tips that might help to reduce this risk:

• Know your seller. Is the seller a national chain or otherwise a well known company? If the seller's website indicates a phone number, call the number to obtain more information about it.

• Know where your seller is located. If your seller is located in a different part of the country or in a foreign country, your ability to return defective goods and to recover amounts paid will be difficult. As well, sellers in different countries are bound by different laws. There might not be any consumer protection legislation which could otherwise assist you.

• Don't be fooled by a professional looking website. Well designed websites can be created easily and inexpensively.

• Determine whether the seller has a long and spotless track record. By querying the Complaint Database at this Fraud Bureau website and other websites, you might be able to determine whether any complaints have been lodged against the seller. Further, contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if any prior complaints exist. Since fraudulent companies can appear and disappear quickly, prior complaints may not yet exist.

• Know the terms of offer. Read all the small print and ensure that all essential terms are indicated at the website including guarantee and return policies. Print those terms out for documentary proof of the offer. If you have any additional questions, ask the seller and ensure that such terms are in writing.

• Know the terms of delivery including cost and timing. If your purchased item has not be delivered on time, act quickly to determine the root of the problem.

• Consider method of payment. When you pay by credit card, you might be able to stop payment by notifying your card provider that you are disputing the purchase. Payment by cash, cheque or money order will not afford you the ability to delay payment while you investigate any problem that you have with the goods.