How to avoid fraudsters on Amazon

One reader was caught out by a clever scam on Amazon.co.uk Marketplace. Jessica explains how to avoid the same fate.

I saw on the Amazon website a Sony television advertised for £573.81. To my request a person replied that the set was "as new" and I would receive an official order from Amazon stating the payment and delivery information. When I received such information the next day it said the television would be shipped from Leeds but I should pay by MoneyGram at an address in Greece.

I wrote to the seller that I was not happy with such an arrangement and did not wish to buy it. Next I received an email from Amazon on the address registered with my Amazon account giving me a money-back guarantee. I was reassured.

However, since I paid the money by MoneyGram I have never heard from the seller. I asked Amazon for a refund through its money-back guarantee but it is not responding beyond an initial email. I hope you can help me and inform other potential customers of the problems associated with buying goods in this way.