VG Auction

Privacy & Security Policy

VG Auction (VGA) does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. VGA uses information only as described in the VG Auction Privacy Policy. The protection of user's privacy is a very important principle. VGA stores and processes this information on computers located in the United States, and is protected by physical as well as technological security devices. Users can access and modify this information provided, and choose not to receive certain communications by logging into the user's account. VGA uses third parties to verify and certify our privacy principles. If you object to your information being transferred or used in this manner, do not use this service.

Disclosure of Your Information

We may disclose personal information to respond to legal requirements, enforce VGA's policies, respond to claims that a listing or listing content violates the rights of others, or protect anyone�s rights, property, or safety. VGA may also share your personal information with service providers under contract who help with our business operations such as fraud investigations. VGA may share your personal information with law enforcement or other governmental officials in response to verified requests relating to criminal investigation or alleged illegal activity.

Activity Associated with User Names

The User Name is displayed throughout this site, and is therefore available to the public. All activities on this site are traceable to the User Name. Others can see your bids, items that have been purchased in the past, items for sale, storefronts, feedback, ratings and associated comments, etc. Notices are sent to other site community members regarding suspicious activity and policy violations on the site, and refer to User Names and specific items. Therefore, if you associate your name with your User Name, the people to whom you have revealed your name will be able to personally identify your VG Auction activities.

Use of Your Personal Information

Our primary purpose in collecting personal information is to provide the user with a safe, efficient, smooth, and enjoyable experience. You agree that VGA may use your personal information to:

provide the services and customer support requested;

resolve disputes, collect fees, and troubleshoot problems;

prevent prohibited or potentially illegal activities, and enforce VGA's User Agreement;

customize, measure, and improve VGA's services and the site�s content and layout;

inform the user of service updates, site news, and promotional offers, based on the user's communication preferences, and to compare information for accuracy, and to verify it with third parties.

Security Policy

VG Auction strives to provide a safe, fraud free environment for buyers and sellers. We follow up on all complaints, help investigate with third party support, and assist with prosecution to the full extent of the law. VGA also offers a Customer Dispute Program for buyers and sellers. While utilizing VGA�s services, you will see that VG Auction extends great effort to ensure a safe community for all users.

User information is stored and secured within the United States. VGA treats data as an asset that is protected, and VGA uses many tools (SSL encryption, physical security, passwords, etc.) to protect your personal information against unauthorized access and disclosure. However, third parties may unlawfully intercept or access transmissions or private communications. Third party users may also abuse or misuse your personal information collected from this site. Therefore, VGA does not guarantee that your personal information or private communications will remain private.

Account Protection

Your password is the key to your account. VGA suggests the use of unique letters, numbers, and special characters, and to not disclose your VG Auction password to anyone. Should you share your password or your personal information with others, remember that you are responsible for all actions taken in the name of your account. Should you lose control of your password, you may lose substantial control over your personal information and may be subject to legally binding actions taken on your behalf. Therefore, if your password has been compromised for any reason, immediately notify VG Auction and change your password.

Changing Your Personal Information

The user can see, change, and review most personal information by logging into the site. You must promptly update your personal information if it changes or is inaccurate. Once a public posting is made, you may not be able to change or remove it. Upon your request, VGA will close the account and remove personal information from view as soon as possible, based on account activity and in accordance with applicable law. VGA does retain personal information from closed accounts in order to comply with law, collect any fees owed, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, assist with any investigations, troubleshoot problems, enforce VG Auction Terms & Conditions, and to take other actions otherwise permitted by law.

Disputes

If a dispute arises with VG Auction or with another user, VGA provides a means of settling complaints through our Resolution Dispute System. This is an unbiased method to help resolve disputes that may arise in transactions between sellers and buyers. A moderator will work to understand both party�s views, and help develop a fair, agreeable settlement. If a resolution cannot be reached, the moderator will institute a solution based on principles of fairness and good conduct.

For Sellers:

Sellers, if payment is not received, VGA will refund the final value fee.

Sellers, if a Buyer does not complete a transaction, the Buyer will be issued a non-paying bidder strike. After three NPBS strikes, the Buyer will be suspended indefinitely.

For Buyers:

Buyers, if you do not receive the item, or receive one that is grossly different from the item described, the Seller is issued an unreconciled dispute strike. After three UDS strikes, the Seller will be suspended indefinitely.
Should an excessive number of strikes be collected by a Seller, the Seller�s personal information will be forwarded to the local authorities.

Disputes with VG Auction

This agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Texas as they apply to agreements entered into and to be performed entirely within Texas between Texas residents, without regard to conflict of law provisions. The user agrees that any claim or dispute against VG Auction must be resolved by a court located in Harris County, Texas. The user agrees to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the courts located within Harris County, Texas, for the purpose of litigating all such claims and disputes.

All claims against VG Auction must be resolved in accordance with this Resolution of Dispute Section. All claims filed or brought contrary to the Resolution of Disputes Section shall be considered improperly filed. Should a claim be filed contrary to the Resolution of Disputes Section, VG Auction may recover attorney�s fees and costs up to $1000, provided VG Auction has notified the user, in writing, of an improperly filed claim, and should the user fail to promptly withdraw the claim.

Fraud Protection

VG Auction logs all IP information enabling tracking of anyone connecting to the site. VGA will hold fraudulent users liable for all costs of attorney fees as well additional costs to prosecute the fraudulent user. Fraudulent activity is illegal in the United States and violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In cases of a fraudulent user, under the age of 18, parent(s) or guardian of the user will be held accountable for all such costs. VGA Fraud Definition, including but not limited to:

Paying for an item not received;

Receiving an item other than that described in the auction.

What you can do to protect yourself:

Items listed on this site are most often posted by individuals, and small companies. While we regulate our site and remove objectionable material or listings, we cannot be responsible for regulating or verifying all items for sale. Be aware of the potential for misleading statements, or a fraudulently listed item, or the purchasing of an illegal product.

Minimize risk by e-mailing the seller specific questions related to the item, and checking out the seller's reputation rating compiled by other individuals who have purchased from this person/company. Note a user�s feedback, take the time to read over all users� feedback, and read all comments left as well as who left the feedback.

Always consider paying with a Credit Card, Paypal, or other similar programs. If your auction item is not delivered, contact your bank or program used, to have the charges reversed. Paying with a money order or via Western Union, is hazardous, as there is no guarantee of delivery, or retrieval of funds.

What can you do if you were the victim of a fraudulent user?

Try to communicate with your seller directly. Many problems are simple misunderstandings.

If after two weeks you have not received your auction item or received a refund, send VGA an email at fraud@vgauction.com to include the following:

Your Username, full name, email address, and telephone number
Auction number of the auction in question
Username of the person in question
A full account of what has transpired, including all emails exchanged.

Leave negative feedback on user in question. All users with a negative three feedback rating will be removed from VG Auction.

Leave a post on our Fraud Report Forum to help warn other users about this person.

If payment was made using a credit card, contact your bank immediately to have the charges reversed. If Paypal was used, or any other similar payment method, contact them as well to dispute the charge and to have it reversed.

VGA encourages you to report all user-to-user disputes to your local law enforcement, postmaster general, or to a certified mediation or arbitration entity.

Buyers and sellers can also use VGA�s Resolution Dispute System.

Report fraudulent users to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center.

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).

IFCC's mission is to address fraud committed over the Internet. For victims of Internet fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at all levels, IFCC offers a central repository for complaints related to Internet fraud, works to quantify fraud patterns, and provides timely statistical data of current fraud trends.