For many businesses, e-commerce represents a tremendous method for generating revenues. To maximize
profit potential, you need to keep an eye on issues that drive your prospects nuts. The FTC maintain a list of
top 10 “dot.cons” complained about by consumers. If your site falls within one of these industries, you must make sure you address these concerns.Consumer Complaints
According to
FTC, here's what online consumers are complaining about most:
Internet Auctions
The Bait: Shop in a "virtual marketplace" that offers a huge selection of products at great deals.
The Switch: After sending their money, consumers say they've received an item that is less valuable than promised, or, worse yet, nothing at all.
Internet Access Services
The Bait: Free money, simply for cashing a check.
The Switch: Consumers say they've been "trapped" into long-term contracts for Internet access or another web service, with big penalties for cancellation or early termination.
Credit Card Fraud
The Bait: Surf
Internet and view adult images online for free, just for sharing your credit card number to prove you're over 18.
The Switch: Consumers say that fraudulent promoters have used their credit card numbers to run up charges on their cards.
International Modem Dialing
The Bait: Get free access to adult material and pornography by downloading a "viewer" or "dialer" computer program.
The Switch: Consumers complained about exorbitant long-distance charges on their phone bill. Through
program, their modem is disconnected, then reconnected to
Internet through an international long-distance number.
Web Cramming
The Bait: Get a free custom-designed website for a 30-day trial period, with no obligation to continue.
The Switch: Consumers say they've been charged on their telephone bills or received a separate invoice, even if they never accepted
offer or agreed to continue
service after
trial period.
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