The Advertisement Disclosure Order 1977 requires a business to tell you they are business trader, however, many traders don't declare themselves as business to avoid their legal responsibilities towards their customers.

Look for one or more of the following clues:

• They have shop or power seller status
• Their feedback shows they are selling a high volume of items.
• They link to a business website
• They are selling multiples of the same item
• The items they sell are mainly new
• There are a large number of similar items for sale
• They use promotional photos rather than taking it their own
• The user name or ID includes a legal status eg Ltd Company

Companies House has a free web check service where you can find out if the company is registered and their address.

Last updated on April 4, 2008 by The E-Victims Organisation