With the development of technology, safe online shopping has become an integral part of our lives. However, with the convenience of online shopping, the risk of falling into fraud traps also increases.

Safe online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, allowing us to make purchases from anywhere and at any time. The availability of a huge range of products, price comparison sites and the possibility of taking advantage of various promotions make them a natural way for many people to obtain the necessary items. However, with this convenience comes a dark side.

Safe online shopping

The risk of falling into fraud traps increases with the popularity of online shopping. Dishonest people use various techniques to extort personal information, financial data, or deliver defective products. Phishing, fake online stores and unauthorized transaction sites are becoming more and more sophisticated, making it more difficult to identify potential threats.

Faced with this challenge, consumers must be increasingly vigilant and aware of how to effectively defend themselves against fraud when shopping online. The key is to develop the ability to recognize warning signs and take precautions.

Educating consumers about the methods used by fraudsters, as well as the effective use of security tools, such as online payment systems secured with an SSL certificate or antivirus applications, are becoming an essential element in the fight against the growing threat. As technology evolves, it is also necessary to adapt security and education measures to maintain the balance between the convenience of online shopping and protection against fraud.

Carefully checking certain elements is not only a way to avoid potential frauds, but also to minimize the risk of unpleasant surprises during the purchasing process. A consumer who is aware of the risks and is better informed is more secure and has greater confidence in the honesty of the company with which he or she intends to enter into a transaction.

Shop or seller

1. Use well-known stores. Beware of online super deals, which often turn out to be scams

When choosing a place to shop online, it is worth being aware of the existing risk associated with unknown online stores, especially when promotions seem too attractive to be true. The saying “if something seems too good to be true” takes on particular meaning in the context of online super deals, which, unfortunately, are often a trap for fraudsters.

2. Verify the company’s registration details, read the store regulations and the return policy

Verifying the company’s registration details and carefully reading the store’s regulations and return policy are key steps that every consumer should take before making an online purchase. These basic steps help you minimize the risk of fraud and ensure safe and satisfying transactions.

Checking a company’s registration data is a key step in assessing its credibility. Make sure that the company name is clear and consistent with the data provided on the store’s website. Check the physical address of the company’s headquarters – real companies usually provide clear information about their location.

Store regulations are the most important document, defining the rules of operation and conditions for making purchases. You should read the regulations carefully to learn what payment methods are available and how the payment process works, what information is collected from customers and how it is used, what rights and obligations the customer has, as well as what the store’s responsibility towards the customer is.

Get to know the rules for returning purchased goods – this is a key element that is worth analyzing carefully to be aware of your rights in the event of any problems with the purchased goods.

Find out how long the period in which you can return the product is, what are the conditions for accepting a return, whether the goods must be unused, in the original packaging, etc. and what the process of submitting and processing a possible return or complaint is.

3. Check the seller’s reviews on the marketplace and on independent review sites

Before making a purchase from a seller you don’t know yet, it’s also worth testing communication with customer service. Answers to questions about products, return procedures, or other relevant issues can provide information about the professionalism of a particular store or retailer.

Checking opinions about the seller on the trading platform and on independent websites is an important step in the process of making a purchase decision from a selected seller or store. Opinions from other users can provide valuable information about the quality of customer service, product quality and integrity of a particular seller. See customer reviews directly on the product page, allowing you to get feedback from people who have purchased the same product. Verify the seller’s overall rating or ranking on the marketplace by paying attention to the number of positive and negative reviews. If possible, check the seller’s transaction history – the number of completed transactions may indicate experience and reliability.

Search independent review sites where users share their shopping experiences. Popular review websites can provide many interesting opinions. Check out online forums – this is a place where consumers often share their experiences about goods and sellers. Consumer blogs also often feature product reviews and online shopping experiences. Reading such reviews can provide more detailed information.

Checking seller reviews on various platforms allows you to increase your confidence in the honesty and quality of customer service. However, remember to approach the analysis of opinions with moderation, taking into account the diversity of customer experiences. You also need to know that currently opinions can be bought!!! This practice is currently flourishing and significantly distorts proper assessments. Therefore, be skeptical of loud or intrusive comments, both positive and negative, about the seller (store) and the product.

4. Pay attention to the descriptions of the products offered. A sloppy, error-filled description and a bargain price are probably a scam

Analyzing the descriptions of offered products is a key element in recognizing potential fraud attempts when shopping online. Quality and care in developing a product description can provide important clues about the seller’s reliability and the authenticity of the offer. Vigilance and the ability to recognize irregularities in descriptions are crucial for safe transactions. Pay particular attention to the accuracy or manipulation of keywords, dates and deadlines, as well as the proper use of units of weights and measures.

Check whether the product description is complete and contains all necessary information about the product. Descriptions should be clear and understandable. Compare the technical data and specifications provided with those that are commonly known for the given product type. False or inflated information may be a warning sign. Check whether the product description matches the photos presented. Discrepancies between the description and photos may indicate dishonesty.

Please pay attention to linguistic correctness. A description full of spelling or grammatical errors may indicate a lack of professionalism. If an offer seems too favorable compared to other stores, be vigilant. A very low price can be a trap for fraud. Terms such as “bargain price” may be used in fraud attempts. Common sense requires checking whether the offer is realistic.

5. Use in-app marketplaces or sites that offer buyer protection and offers from multiple sellers

Using in-app marketplaces or buyer protection sites and accessing offers from a variety of sellers is a practice that can significantly increase security and confidence when shopping online. The advantages of trading platforms include:

Buyer and Seller Protection – trading platforms usually offer extensive return policies, which gives customers the confidence that in case of problems with the product, they can use the option of returning it. These platforms often have a dedicated customer service team ready to help with questions, problems or disputes related to your purchases.

Secure Payment Methods – using trading platforms often means access to secure payment methods, such as credit card payments or popular online payment systems, which increases the security of transactions.

Customer Data Security – These platforms typically employ advanced data security measures to protect customer information from unauthorized access.

Seller Credibility – platforms usually carry out a seller verification process, which helps eliminate potential fraud and increases the credibility of offers.

Customer Reviews – Customers often have the opportunity to leave reviews about sellers, which allows future buyers to better understand the seller’s reputation.

Access to a Variety of Offers – marketplaces usually collect offers from various sellers, which gives customers a wide selection of products and brands in one place.

Easy Price Comparison – customers can easily compare prices, reviews and product ratings, making it easier to make informed purchasing decisions.

Ease of Use – many trading platforms offer mobile applications that provide convenient access to the store anytime and anywhere.

Notifications about Promotions – customers using the application often receive notifications about promotions, which allows them to take advantage of attractive offers.

6. Find another seller if you have any doubts

Using in-app marketplaces or buyer protection sites and accessing offers from a variety of sellers is a practice that can significantly increase security and confidence when shopping online.

If there is a shadow of doubt at the purchase stage, if you do not know whether all the offered terms and conditions of sale of the goods or services are clear and legible to you, if there are any doubts regarding the description, payment, possibility of return or complaint, consider choosing a different offer and the seller. (store). Trust is the most important element of online transactions. If in doubt, refrain. Unless you can calculate possible losses in your wallet. Remember – be vigilant.

While shopping safely online, pay attention to payments

1. If in doubt, choose cash on delivery or card payment (you can complain about card payment at the bank)

Choosing secure payment methods is an important part of protecting yourself from potential fraud when shopping online. If in doubt, following the cash on delivery principle or using card payments can increase the security of the transaction. Cash on delivery allows the customer to pay for the product only after receiving it. This eliminates the risk of losing money if the product does not meet expectations or is not as described. Checking the product before payment – the customer has the opportunity to check the product before making the payment, which additionally increases the certainty that you are getting what you pay for.

Card payments are often protected by bank security systems. In the event of unauthorized transactions or problems with the purchased product, the customer may use the complaint procedures of his bank. In case of doubts about the transaction, the customer has the right to file a complaint with the bank. The bank is conducting an investigation to determine the correctness of the payment.
Remember that card payments generate documentation of the transaction, which can be useful as evidence in the event of a dispute regarding your purchase. Do not send cash under any circumstances – paying by card eliminates the need to send cash, which is more secure and eliminates the risk of losing money in the event of a parcel being lost or stolen.

Verifying the security of the payment site – always before making a card payment, make sure that the site on which the transaction is made is secure. The website address should start with “https://” and be secured with an SSL certificate. Avoid making card payments on unknown or unsecured sites to avoid the risk of data leakage.

And remember – if anything raises your doubts – stop the transaction immediately. Do not click on links sent via instant messaging or SMS during the transaction. No authorized payment system requires such activities. Ask another person to look at the way the purchase was made “from their own perspective”. An objective approach to the transaction will be a greater guarantee of its security.

2. Pay by transfer only on websites offering buyer protection. A small shop that only accepts bank transfers is suspicious.

Paying by transfer is one of the popular online payment methods, but the security of this process depends on several factors. When using this payment method, it is worth following certain rules to minimize the risk of fraud. First of all, when paying by transfer, prefer reputable trading platforms and stores or websites that offer buyer protection. Check whether the platform where you pay by transfer has a clear returns policy and guarantees. This is additional security in case of problems with the purchased product. This will ensure that your transactions are monitored and protected against potential fraud.

Be extremely careful with small, unknown shops and sellers from advertising portals – small shops and individual sellers who only accept payments by transfer may be suspicious. In small stores and advertising portals that do not offer buyer protection, the risk of fraud is greater. Avoid this type of transaction if you are not sure about its reliability. Consider the local nature of the purchase from an advertisement, with the possibility of personal collection and payment after inspection of the goods.

Definitely avoid sending additional personal data via e-mail or private message, especially such as passwords or credit card number – this should make you extremely vigilant. A reliable store will never request such information.

3. Secure your bank account with two-factor authentication from the app or an SMS code or scratch card.

Securing your bank account with two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial step in maintaining financial security in the online world. Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection by requiring the user to provide two independent verification factors. It strengthens bank account protection because an unauthorized person would need to have both the password and access to the second verification factor. If the password were compromised, the attacker would still have to go through a second layer of security, which increases the difficulty of accessing the account. This is really good protection against hacker attacks. Many banks offer dedicated applications for generating one-time codes for two-factor authentication. Install such an application on your smartphone. After installing the app, scan the QR code provided by your bank. The application will be synchronized with your bank account.

Alternatively, some banks offer two-factor authentication via SMS codes. These codes are sent to the telephone number registered in the banking system. SMS codes are a quick and convenient way to receive verification codes, but please note that they are dependent on mobile network access.

Banks often provide emergency codes in the form of scratch cards. Keep this scratch card in a safe place and only use it in emergency situations. Emergency codes should only be used in situations where other authentication methods are unavailable.

Change your password regularly – change your bank account password regularly, even if you use two-factor authentication. Strongly avoid sharing codes, passwords or other credentials. Remember that your data should be kept secret – no one has the right to demand that you share it.

Safe delivery method

1. Order delivery with the option to check the contents of the parcel

Ordering delivery with the option to check the contents of the shipment as protection against a dishonest seller is a simple and effective solution that can provide the customer with greater confidence that they are receiving exactly what they ordered, while reducing the risk of fraud by the seller. The option to check the contents of the shipment adds a layer of transparency to the transaction. The customer has the opportunity to assess whether the product complies with the description provided by the seller.

In the case of dishonest sellers who may send products of lower quality or completely different than those ordered, the ability to check the contents after receiving the package allows the customer to verify the compliance of the product with the order.

The option to check the contents can act as an incentive for sellers to describe products honestly and deliver high-quality goods, as they are aware that the customer has the opportunity to verify their products before final receipt, which in the event of a complaint will be a significant cost for the seller.

2. Keep in touch with the seller

Maintaining contact with the seller plays a key role in protecting against a fraudulent transaction. The buyer can ask about any doubts about the product, delivery terms, deadlines and conditions, which helps to avoid potential misunderstandings. It is worth confirming all key transaction details, such as product model, quantity, color and delivery date. This reduces the risk of confusion and ensures that both parties have a common understanding of the order. Regularly asking about order progress helps avoid delays and keeps the pressure on the seller to deliver the product as agreed.

In case of problems with the order, such as delays in delivery, damage to the goods or non-compliance with the description, direct contact allows the problem to be quickly resolved. The buyer can report the problem and work with the seller to solve it. Moreover, regular contact builds trust between buyer and seller. When both parties are aware of each other’s presence and willingness to communicate, it increases the sense of security for both parties. Open communication allows for a quick response to possible problems and creates the basis for lasting and satisfactory business relationships, which is especially important when forecasting and planning further cooperation.

3. Maintain correspondence with the seller.

Ordering delivery with the option to check the contents of the shipment as protection against a dishonest seller is a simple and effective solution that can provide the customer with greater confidence that they are receiving exactly what they ordered, while reducing the risk of fraud by the seller. The option to check the contents of the shipment adds a layer of transparency to the transaction. The customer has the opportunity to assess whether the product complies with the description provided by the seller.

In the case of dishonest sellers who may send products of lower quality or completely different than those ordered, the ability to check the contents after receiving the package allows the customer to verify the compliance of the product with the order.

In case of problems, start the complaint procedure with the trading platform, payment operator, report a complaint to the bank or the police.

If you experience problems when shopping online, effectively starting the complaint procedure may be crucial to solving the problem and regaining your rights as a consumer. The first step is to use the complaint procedure available on the platform where the purchase was made. Typically, these platforms have dedicated dispute resolution mechanisms. Report a problem to the seller via the platform, using available complaint reporting tools. Describe the problem thoroughly, including evidence such as photos or screenshots.

When shopping online, you usually have the right to withdraw from the contract within a specified period. Find out if you can exercise this right and follow the requirements.

If your payment was made through a payment processor, please contact your payment processor to report the problem. The payment processor can help you block the payment, accurately identify the transaction and initiate the refund process.

If the transaction was completed using a credit or debit card, please consult your card-issuing bank. Report a problem and ask to open a dispute regarding an unauthorized transaction or other issues related to your purchase.

If you are already convinced that you have been a victim of fraud or crime, report the matter to the police. Provide as much evidence as possible, such as purchase receipts, correspondence with the seller, and any other documents that may assist in the investigation.

If the problem cannot be solved using the complaint procedures available on the platform, payment operator or bank, consider consulting a lawyer specializing in consumer law. Remember to secure your correspondence with the seller as documentation of the transaction. E-mails, text messages and telephone calls constitute confirmation of the order, which may be useful if a dispute needs to be resolved.