One of the main concerns for people shopping and trading online is maintaining security and avoiding scammers and fraudsters. This presentation offers our top 5 tips you can use to ensure your safety online. If you have any advice of your own, or if you'd like to ask any questions, please feel free to do so in the comments section.

1. 5 Ways to Avoid Scammers Online Unfortunately there are some people who are less trustworthy than others and use the internet to commit fraud or trade unethically. As in any industry, it’s up us as the buyer to ensure the people we deal with are legitimate and trustworthy. We have compiled 5 of the most important ways to arm yourself and avoid getting scammed online: Supplier forums Understanding Terms of Use Supplier’s current activity Supplier’s track record Check their website 1

2. Supplier Forums 2 Understand the Terms of Use 2 1 Trustworthy suppliers run an open, community-based forum for their members. These forums are a vital trust point you can pore over to look for any signs of other people being scammed. Look for topics around payment too - both good as well as bad - to ensure your own confidence levels. Understanding the supplier’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Company Information, User Guides and Infringement Claims are all valuable resources to fully understand and digest. Sites without these elements might suggest further investigation is required. Supplier’s Current Activity 3 The supplier’s current activity. Does their site have a regularly updated News Section? If the supplier is reputable, active and community minded, there should be lots of news you’re able to read for further clarity on the company. Having a phone number listed on their site is a good indicator of a supplier’s transparency, but don’t make up your mind until you’ve picked up the phone and spoken to somebody on the other end. © Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited – 5 Ways to Avoid Online Scammers

3. 3 Understand the Terms of Use 4 Supplier’s Track Record 5 What Are Others Saying? An Internet search will always reveal suspicious behaviour encountered by previous victims. Use a Google, Bing, Yahoo, or Twitter search for the site or company name plus the word “scam” to help you quickly identify common scamming sites. You should get a fairly good idea of a supplier’s credibility by simply joining their site, however you should still do further investigation prior to becoming an active participant. This is where the site’s forums become a very valuable resource. Start engaging in conversations with both new members as well as several long-term site members to gain a balanced view of the supplier’s performance. Don’t be afraid to explicitly ask others whether they have had any trouble dealing with the particular supplier. Use these five steps as a starting point and you’ll quickly be able to determine the more reliable suppliers from those who are best to avoid. The general rule when searching for an overseas supplier is to use your common sense, keep your wits about you, and if something seems a little fishy, it probably warrants further investigation. About Alibaba.com Alibaba.com (HKSE: 1688.HK) is the global leader in e-commerce for small businesses and the flagship company of Alibaba Group. Founded in 1999, Alibaba.com makes it easy for millions of buyers and suppliers around the world to do business online.

4. 4 Alibaba Australia’s Social Media Channels Facebook: Facebook has over 10 million active Australian users per month so becoming an active participant with the Alibaba Facebook Page will have benefits for any proactive business. The Alibaba Facebook Page boasts instant downloads of the Business Starter Kit for sourcing products and finding quality suppliers. You’re able to view videos, Alibaba Upcoming Events, member testimonials and exclusive promotions and event invites. LinkedIn: The LinkedIn Alibaba Group will connect like-minded members, provide a new stream of potential suppliers and foster stronger relationships with existing members. The Group allows members to expand into their professional LinkedIn network, using an already trusted global brand. Twitter: Get fast and instant facts from Alibaba, by following our Twitter profile alibaba_aus We’ll be ‘tweeting’ our own flavour of AliFacts with useful and helpful reminders for your Australian on-line experience in buying and supplying. Here’s a recent ‘tweet’ highlighting what a local Adelaide business is doing: “An Adelaide hair salon is using Alibaba.com to grow its business & help cancer patients look & feel their best http://ow.ly/629r8“ YouTube: The Alibaba Australia YouTube Video Channel is a growing member showcase of success stories and testimonials. To get a taste of the sort of member stories you could also be a part of, check out THIS VIDEO. Participating allows for expanding your market reach and to tell the world about your products and services. Alibaba Blog: The Alibaba AU Blog provides tips for the online trading beginner, setting up a successful online business, advice in finding the right products from the right suppliers for your business and information on how best to optimise your product line and process. Access the latest trends and products in Australia’s online trading industry by subscribing to the blog. Join Together For Greater Success Alibaba is firmly dedicated to rapid growth within the Australian market and, more importantly, our partnerships with Australian members. Like any strong and long-term business relationship, your success is our success. Please do check through each of the Alibaba Social Channels we have put together and join those that align to your business and personal objectives. Can We Spread Your Word Too? If you have a successful sourcing / business story to tell, we would love to hear from you via our Social Media Channels. We like to promote success stories via Testimonials, Press Releases and in general, our Social Media Channels – please do let us know your story.