eBay is one of the most popular online market places where people come to purchase software. It attracts millions of users. It also attracts criminals who attempt to fool people into buying counterfeit software. The Business Software Alliance wants to remind you that you need to be cautious and be sure of what you are getting before you buy. Below are some commonsense tips to think about.

Trust your instincts. Just as in the physical world, when you buy software from the original publishers, brand-name sources or other online sources that offer familiar security features, you are much more likely to get a safe, legitimate product than when you buy from anonymous, unprofessional, furtive sources. Also, check the online seller’s price against the estimated retail value of the software. Whether the product is being sold as new or used, if a price for software seems "too good to be true," it probably is.

Do your homework. On auction sites, check the seller’s rating or feedback comments by other users. Most legitimate sellers will have responses from other users, and if they are reputable and reliable, nearly all should be positive.

Make sure it’s authentic. Be suspicious of software products that do not include proof of authenticity such as original disks, manuals, licensing, service policies and warranties. Beware of products that do not look genuine, such as those with handwritten labels.

Beware of back-ups. Take care to avoid sellers offering to make "back-up" copies. This is a clear indication that the software is illegal. Also be sure to check the software version. Many people receive educational or promotional versions of software when they have been told they were purchasing a full or standard version.

Steer clear of compilations. Be wary of compilations of software titles from different publishers on a single disk or CD. This is a sure sign that the software has been pirated and possibly altered. When buying more than one software program, be sure that each program is on a separate disk.

Get the seller’s address, if possible. Remember that if you cannot contact the seller after making a purchase, you may have no recourse if the product turns out to be pirated. The BSA receives numerous reports about sellers who became impossible to reach as soon as the payment was final.

Keep receipts. Keep as much information as possible regarding the transaction and the seller. Print out a copy of your order with confirmation numbers and file it for your records. This information will help to build your case if the product turns out to be pirated and further action is needed with the auction site or payment facilitator site.

Understand the transaction terms. Make sure you get a clear explanation of the merchant’s policies concerning returns and refunds, shipping costs, and security and privacy protection before you complete the transaction. Check the website’s privacy policies to understand what personal information is being requested, as well as how your information will be used and protected.

Be cautious when dealing with software sellers in other countries. Many cyber crime rings are based in countries abroad. Moreover, the physical distance, differences in legal systems, and other factors could complicate matters if the transaction goes awry.

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