security FAQs
If you have questions about shopping online safely and securely, you may find answers to your questions here.
Q: What happens when a buySAFE Merchant does not live up to his promises?
Q: How does I know if a transaction can be bonded?
Q: How can I verify that a buySAFE Seal is valid?
Q: How can I verify that a merchant is a buySAFE Merchant?
Q: Are international buyers covered by the bond?
Q: What are some safe shopping tips?
Q: What are other Websites where I can find valuable resources for safe online shopping?
Q: What do words like bid siphoning, hacking, phishing, and spoofing mean?
Q: What happens when a buySAFE Merchant does not live up to his promises?
If there is a problem with a bonded transaction, buySAFE offers Problem Transaction Resolution services through which buyers and merchants can “talk to” each other using a moderated online communication area. If the problem can’t be worked out, a buySAFE Problem Resolution Specialist can help assist in finding a solution. If a resolution still cannot be met, buySAFE will, upon request, refer the matter to the surety partner for handling as a bond claim (for U.S. residents only).
Q: How does I know if a transaction can be bonded?
A transaction can be bonded whenever a buySAFE Seal is present. To be safe, you should always click on the Seal to verify its authenticity.
The silver buySAFE Certified Merchant Seal tells shoppers:
- The merchant has been rigorously certified and is trustworthy and professional
- buySAFE is continually monitoring the merchant to ensure reliability
- For a nominal fee, buyers have the option to purchase a bond that will guarantee the transaction up to $25,000.
The gold buySAFE Bonded Merchant Seal tells shoppers:
- The merchant has been rigorously certified and is trustworthy and professional
- buySAFE is continually monitoring the merchant to ensure reliability
- The merchant has agreed to purchase a bond that will guarantee the transaction up to $25,000 — at no extra cost to the shopper.
Q: How can I verify that a buySAFE Seal is valid?
To verify a buySAFE Seal, simply click on the Seal to view that Seal’s verification page on the buySAFE Website.
Alternatively, you may visit www.buysafe.com, click the Verify Seal link in the top right corner, and enter the buySAFE Merchant ’s marketplace or Website information.
If you believe that you have encountered an unauthorized Seal, please report it by sending an e-mail to fraud@buysafe.com.
Q: How can I verify that a merchant is a buySAFE Merchant?
To verify a buySAFE Seal, simply click on the Seal to view that Seal’s verification page on the buySAFE Website. Alternatively, you may visit www.buysafe.com, click the Verify Seal link in the top right corner, and enter the buySAFE Merchant ’s marketplace or Website information. If you believe that you have encountered an unauthorized Seal, please report it by sending an e-mail to fraud@buysafe.com .
Q: Are international buyers covered by the bond?
buySAFE protects all shoppers independently of their location. Non-US shoppers are protected through a corporate guarantee and enjoy the same level of protection as US shoppers. Please refer to our terms of service for further details on bond guarantees and corporate guarantees.
Q: What are some safe shopping tips?
We’ve included a number of safe shopping tips in the buySAFE Security Center. View our Common Sense Safe Shopping Tips
Q: What are other Websites where I can find valuable resources for safe online shopping?
Our Internet Safety Resource Library within the buySAFE Security Center includes many resources to help keep shoppers safe when buying online and to report any problems they might encounter.
Visit our Internet Safety Resource Library
Q: What do words like bid siphoning, hacking, phishing, and spoofing mean?
In our Online Security Threat Glossary one can find the definitions to these words and many more online threats to a shopper’s safety and security online.
