The rise of e-commerce businesses has not only given people a new way to shop, but has also offered an excellent opportunity for frauds and scammers to fool unwary buyers into parting with their hard-earned money. According to a survey by TransUnion, 44% of Filipino consumers have been targeted by online scammers, which proves that online shopping scams are more common than you think. Today’s fraudulent merchants, which includes bad actors that ship to the Philippinesare employing increasingly sophisticated schemes that have made it more challenging for today’s modern shoppers to avoid getting scammed.
Online shopping scams can take many forms, from identity theft and fake websites to phishing emails and shopping account hacks. These scams lead to financial losses for consumers and pose a significant risk to their personal information and online security.
As such, it is crucial to be aware of scammers’ different tactics and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victims to fraud. Read on below to discover the best ways to avoid online shopping scams.
Shop Only from Reputable Websites
Always ensure that the website you are shopping from is reputable. Reputable websites feature secure payment systems and active customer support teams to assist you when encountering issues. One of the best ways to ensure the merchant is a legitimate one is to read reviews and research the website’s history before purchasing anything from them. Proceed with caution when shopping from websites that have a lot of negative reviews or no reviews at all.
Ensure Website Security
Without website security, an online seller cannot protect you from hacking or phishing. That said, always ensure that the website you’re shopping from offers website security by checking for an SSL certificate, which is indicated by the padlock icon in the address bar. An SSL certificate guarantees that the website is secure and encrypted and that any information you share is confidential.
In addition, you should also check if the website offers comprehensive terms and conditions as well as a privacy page. These pages should indicate how the website will use your personal information and the regulations they have to keep your data secure.
Be Wary of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
Deals that look too good to be true probably are. Scammers like using excessively discounted deals and similar fake advertisements to lure unsuspecting shoppers and steal their money and personal information. For example, when shopping online, you may see a pop-up ad or an email offering a product at an incredibly low price. Avoid clicking on these ads since they typically ask you to give your personal information, which online merchants can use to tailor more focused ads that can target your personal preferences.
Strengthen Your Password
Using strong and complex passwords, and changing them frequently, is one of the best ways to protect your shopping accounts against hackers. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as it makes it easy for scammers to access all of them should they ever acquire your initial login details. Strong passwords include a non-predictable combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters and numbers. They should also be at least eight characters long and should not include your personal information, such as your birthday or name.
Be Wary of Using Public Wi-Fi
Avoid shopping online when using public Wi-Fi connections, as they are often unsecured and can expose your account and personal information to scammers. In an unsecured connection, hackers can access your data using “man-in-the-middle” attacks to steal your personal information and intercept your data. Alternatively, use a password-protected and secure Wi-Fi network or stick to using your mobile data. If you must shop on public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your privacy and encrypt your data.
Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards
Credit cards often offer a more advanced level of security than debit cards, thanks to fraud protection and EMV chip technology which makes it more difficult for online scammers to steal your information. Plus, credit cards aren’t directly connected to your bank account, unlike debit cards, which prevents scammers from having direct access to your funds.
Enable Automatic Alerts for Credit and Debit Cards
To protect yourself from scammers and stay on top of your purchases, consider exploring the various alert notification options available for debit and credit cards. With automatic alerts turned on, you’ll be notified via email or text message of any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges made to your account. Automatic alerts can vary, ranging from the location of purchases and transaction amounts to the frequency of charges. Plus, automatic alerts can help you stay on top of your budgeting and spending by providing real-time purchase updates.
Conclusion
Online shopping scams can cause both financial and personal damage to online shoppers, and it is essential to be wary to avoid falling victims to these scams. Know also that scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and it is important to stay informed and aware of new online scam tactics and tech exploits. Always keep an eye out for suspicious emails or messages and be wary of any unsolicited offers or deals.