31 May
Many questions bug us as individuals in the quest to find solutions to our various desires such as food, security or product that fits and suit our lifestyle. Different solutions such as traditional shopping (going to the market to buy what we want) but with the development in science and technology, an online shopping experience seems very convenient and easy to explore .
From the comfort of our homes, irrespective of age, gender and location, an online shopping experience eliminates our struggles by presenting the solution in various media and adverts from online stores which piques our interest while surfing the internet or the various social media platforms.
In our pursuit of leveraging on this solution, another series of dangers such as doubts about getting authentic products, getting counterfeit products from what originally stipulated (what I ordered vs what I got), cybercrime (defrauding people of their hard-earned money) etc. which is not restricted to a particular region or continent
The goals of this act have been quite mischievous and people don’t know who to trust again based on the various hard feelings they have heard and experienced firsthand, there are so many ways this kind of evil has been perpetuated and to avoid being a victim
This article outlines the various kind of evils been perpetuated, what to look out for and how to avoid being a victim with valuable insights and strategies to shop safely online.
What does this mean to experience an Online Shopping Experience?
The online shopping experience can be simply received when male/female shops online with an internet-powered electronic device such as a smartphone or laptop.
it’s simply an act of business transaction carried out between two parties (customers and suppliers, freelancers and agencies, job seekers and employers) which involves the exchange of goods and services and the payment of a legal tender (money dependent on the country).
However, we can’t discuss the online shopping experience without putting into context “ecommerce”, as this form of the business model plays an integral aspect in an online shopping experience
Ecommerce involves the various ways goods and services are bought via the internet, it offers relief to the traditional ways by which we shop and transact business.
For example, it has become very easy to buy large, medium, small sized products from the internet such as generators, printers, phones
Another is the degree by which services are sold via the Internet from consulting, freelancing, virtual assistance services etc. the list is endless
The growth of ecommerce has a direct relationship with how various fraudulent activities are been carried out such as the chance of becoming a victim of fraud and scams. To avoid this, the best way is to educate yourself about safe practices which this guide is going to highlight and discuss
What kind of products are been shopped online?
In 9 out of 10, products (physical or digital) & services (freelancing, consulting and virtual assistant etc.) are examples of online shopping transactions, Modern digital technology remains the driving force for why this experience has increased in leaps and bounds.
Who are the customers with this online shopping experience?
There is no bracket for individuals who fall under this group, it cut across groups, genders and races. Statistics state varied results from time to time, region to region etc. However, it must be said that more younger generation like to buy online more than the older generation based on their ideologies
7 Fraudulent Actions To be Wary of in an Online Shopping
There are several ways by which fraudulent actions are been carried out online, below are some examples investigated by various security agencies and research:
- scammers posing as reputable online sellers either through a fake website or a fake ad on a legitimate retailer site.
- scammers utilize cutting-edge technology to create fake stores that appear to be legitimate online retail stores. They may employ sophisticated designs and layouts, maybe stolen trademarks, and even a domain name identical to that of a legitimate retailer.
- They utilise the cheap syndrome effects to sell luxury things like popular brand clothing, jewellery, and electronics for rock-bottom costs (ridiculously cheap prices) when a naive customer falls into the trap.
- The customer may not always receive the goods for which they paid and If they receive anything, it will most likely be a knockoff of the item they thought you purchased
- Another is the mode of payment which scammers infiltrate by going against the standards of the store and employing customers to pay outside the store (which might include third-party apps, cash apps, money transfers or cryptocurrency payment)
- The use of social media handles has helped to increase the rate of fraudulent transactions by scammers, they open a business page with no background information (or authentic name) about the owner of the business or the business itself. It operates for a limited time with different offers such as counterfeit branded clothing or jewelry. The stores vanish after a certain number of sales.
- Scammers also utilize social media to promote their fake websites, so don’t trust a site simply because you saw it advertised or shared on social media. Before making a purchase, the simplest approach to spot a fake trader or social media online shopping fraud is to look for reviews.
This and many more are illustrations by which fraudulent activities are been carried out while shopping online, it’s imperative for you as a social media user, and customers to be wary and cautious of your activities online
5 Tips that Guarantee an Online Shopping Experience Security
Having discussed, the various examples of fraudulent activities being carried out online, here are 7 tips for you to stay safe and secure.
1. Create Strong and Unique Passwords
The first point of entry and security as a user or customer is the password, it’s important you follow this set of rules:
- Avoid Using Common Passwords: do not use your name as your password, as it can be guessed so easily so the best form of defence is to use strong and unique passwords for every account you open
- Combine Letters, Numbers, and Symbols: Create passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. This makes it harder for hackers to crack your password.
- Leverage the help of the password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. This way, you won’t have to remember multiple passwords manually.
2. Shop from Tested and Trusted Websites
Dont just shop from any store or engage any service online without due diligence, it’s a common rule for me that no matter how loud or low the publicity is. I carry out due diligence before any business transaction
I look for first-hand information, not hearsay. This has helped against dangers and to do this, here are some critical factors to watch out
Verify Website Security: Before making any purchase, ensure that the website has a secure connection. Look for “https://” in the website URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. These indicate that your data will be encrypted and protected.
Research the Retailer: Take a few moments to research the retailer’s reputation and customer reviews. In the case of a service or consultancy website, go to the about us page and read about the business. Another is checking for a long-standing positive reputation and high customer satisfaction.
Stick to Well-Known Platforms: Shopping from well-known e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or established brand websites reduces the risk of encountering fraudulent sellers.
3. Be Cautious with Personal Information
There is so much information that could be stored when you visit a website, so, therefore, keep the following factors close to you
Avoid providing unnecessary personal information when creating an account or making a purchase. Only share the information that is essential for the transaction.
Be cautious of emails, messages, or pop-up ads requesting personal information or account details. Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information through these channels.
Read and understand the privacy policy of the website you’re shopping from. Ensure they have proper measures in place to protect your personal information.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
Credit Cards and Payment Gateways: Opt for credit cards or reputable payment gateways when making online purchases. They offer additional layers of security and protection against fraudulent activities.
Avoid Direct Bank Transfers: Be cautious of sellers who request direct bank transfers or wire transfers as the sole payment method. These methods provide little to no buyer protection.
Utilize Virtual Wallets: Consider using virtual wallets like PayPal or Google Pay for online transactions. They act as an intermediary between your bank account and the retailer, adding an extra layer of security.
5. Processes while Shopping Online
Before making a purchase online, put some time into researching the product and the seller. Read reviews from other customers who have already bought the item you’re interested in. Authentic reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality, reliability, and authenticity of the product. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a comprehensive understanding.
When purchasing from individual sellers on online marketplaces, it’s crucial to check their ratings and feedback. Look for reputable sellers with high ratings and positive reviews. Avoid sellers with a history of negative feedback or reports of fraudulent activities. Check out the last transaction history of the seller and ensure you ask a question before you buy (in cases where the ecommerce stores allow customers ask the seller questions)
With online shopping becoming more prevalent, it is critical to focus on your online safety and security. You may dramatically lower your risk of falling victim to online scams and enjoy a safe shopping experience by following the suggestions and methods suggested in this comprehensive guide.
Remember to only shop from reputable websites and vendors, to protect your personal information, and to use reputable payment methods. Stay alert and secure as you explore the enormous world of online shopping.
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