Online shopping
Is online shopping safe?
Online shops, also called e-stores, virtual shops or online stores, offer consumer products or services over the internet. Online shoppers create accounts, peruse the site and use credit cards or other methods to pay for transactions.
With a few basic precautions, it is safe to shop online. Shopping on the websites of well-established and recognised retailers is a good approach. These sites rely on people feeling safe, so they manage their site to ensure that transactions are secure.
Auction sites are increasingly popular. To keep safe, use a reputable auction site and read the privacy policy to ensure you are comfortable with how the business collects, protects and uses your personal information before you submit any details. Also check that you can make a complaint or cancel an order.
How do I shop safely?
To ensure your online shopping experiences are safe, it’s important that you take some responsibility to ensure you know who you’re conducting business with, what security features they offer, their privacy policy, and their returns or refund procedure.
Reading the terms and conditions of the contract so that you’re aware of the delivery options and charges, and product or service warranty, is equally important. Also check for any additional costs to cover postage and handling. Most reputable sites will provide a clear indication of the total cost before the final payment stage.
Check delivery times. Some sellers save money by sending goods the cheapest and slowest way possible. If you’re purchasing a product from overseas, that can mean months of waiting.
Safe shopping or auction sites use strong encryption and show the padlock symbol in the browser during the transaction process.
Auction sites usually let you contact the seller directly, so if you have any doubts about an item for sale, ask questions. It’s better to find out the details early on, rather than when the transaction is over.
What about online-shopping scams?
There are several types of online-shopping scams. Be cautious of prices or deals that are well below market price or are heavily discounted for a quick sale. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If an online shop doesn’t include proper contact details, information about privacy or terms and conditions of use, be wary.
Sellers who ask for personal details, such as your birthdate or mother’s maiden name, may be attempting to gain personal information, which is identity theft. This information could then be used to fraudulently assume another’s identity for financial gain.
Online auction sites may also offer a rating system for their members. This can apply for both sellers and buyers. These reviews are often submitted by the website’s members, and these ‘previous customers’ may not be exactly who they say they are. While these ratings are a guide, they may not be a reliable measure of how legitimate a seller is.