A Kelowna, British Columbia, man was arrested after a two-year investigation into an international Internet fraud case. The Calgary Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police conducted the investigation. The victims were defrauded of millions of dollars through Internet auctions for vintage automobiles. The investigation shows that these Internet frauds were part of a larger scheme where victims were attracted into bidding on Internet auctions for vintage automobiles.

The victims sent tens of thousands of dollars through online transfer to bank accounts held in Calgary. But they would either fail to receive the purchased vehicle or receive a vehicle that was not the same as the item purchased. The money that was sent by the victims to the holding company bank accounts was then directed elsewhere.

a. How could the victims have prevented losing their money?

b. What tell-tale signs might the victims have looked for to have saved them from this loss and embarrassment?