Doesn’t Google also benefit from being able to serve up the business details? Why does the business which has a different web ID get to the top of Google’s hit parade (search results) so readily?
At the very least with Google and others it would be useful to put a banner across the top of every commercial search result. ‘This business has not been verified by Google as real or legitimate.’ Why shouldn’t Google and others accept responsibility for verifying the results they promote.
Dealing with Amazon or through PayPal both make representations and some attempt to assist or protect customers. Google is more than a search engine. It is both a data aggregator and marketer. Cigarettes come with health warnings. Why not Google?
We do have a seperate topic,
It’s not as is Google is without blame for many things.
P.S.
I do agree we should look for ways that might reduce the risks of any fraudulent sales. There are ways around the FX system and our banking systems (previously raised in this topic) for those intent on doing so.
The most effective protection is at the point of sale. Physically meeting the seller, inspecting the plant, seeking verification the seller has full legal ownership or right to sell, and the plant meets the performance/description as offered. There are options for engaging third parties where one cannot act in person. For payment of larger amounts the option of engaging a solicitor local to the vendor and discussing payment on delivery to either the purchaser’s transport or site is an option.
I’m not sure paying by Credit Card would be wise if the sale is a potential SCAM. Where else in the world would your CC number and CCV etc be 30 seconds later?
