Ethically Speaking - April 2009

After a quiet period of several months where no new Ethics complaints were filed, we've experienced a flurry of activity.

During the past month, two non-member companies - Azteq Corporation and AOS Wholesale - were banned from Tradeloop. In both cases, the defendant failed to respond to the complaints. In keeping with Tradeloop policy, both companies were banned due to their non-response; the Ethics Committee didn't evaluate the claims against them.

We also alerted the community to a case of identity theft involving Tradeloop member company, Computer Surplus Solutions, LLC. An unknown person/company was using a fake email address and offering parts for sale. Please be alert for messages from this address: computersurplusllc@yahoo.com. It's the scammer's address, not an official Computer Surplus Solutions contact email.

Two other cases are being voted on by the Tradeloop Ethics Committee. One involving two Tradeloop members refers to a complaint and counter-complaint about possible counterfeit equipment. In the other, a Tradeloop member alleges non-shipment of prepaid goods by a non-member.

In fact, the bulk of Ethics Complaints are lodged by Tradeloop members against non-members.

Before setting up a deal, check to see if the company offering to buy or sell is a Tradeloop member. We've designed our stringent member verification procedures to help keep spammers, scammers, identity thieves, and other undesirable applicants out of the trading community. Our Fast Track Fraud Alert system allows us to quickly alert members to possible fraudulent activity. And, in case of problems, our volunteer Ethics Committee is ready to help mediate and resolve disputes.