Online purchasing has made things easier and more convenient, but there are certain things you need to watch out for to ensure that you’re protected. Using our list, you’ll notice red flags and know what to avoid so you can shop for everything you need and avoid unnecessary risks.
Subscription
Subscription traps work like this: You find a low price online and think it’s a great deal. The truth, however, is that you’ve just been enrolled in a costly subscription service. The details are in the fine print. You have to read carefully to know what you’re actually signing up for. If this happens to you, contact the company immediately to get a refund. At worst, you may have to cancel your card.
Price
Getting a good deal is great, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If the price is incredibly low, the product could be fake instead of genuine. However, this may not always be the case because it’s harder to spot a fake now. Still, caution should be exercised so that you don’t end up with a cheap knock-off.
Shop Smarter
If you’re shopping online, receiving sales emails, internet offers, and more, then you need to be smarter about what you’re doing. Too often, you’ll get spam emails or offers from companies that aren’t operating as expected. It’s important to research the company first and do the same for the product.
Spelling
Anyone can set up a website now, which means scammers can easily take advantage of people. Check the website—you may see the company logo, brand, and colors. However, if you look closely, you might notice errors in the URL, including spelling mistakes. If that’s the case, then you could be buying from a fraudster.
Payment
A legitimate site won’t ask you to pay with prepaid cards or similar methods. A genuine site will offer options that let you check out securely and typically ask for your credit card information. Prepaid gift cards are often used by scammers, while legit sites will always have proper payment options.
Phishing
When shopping for electronics online, it’s not difficult to be fooled. Be smarter with online searches and careful with your personal information. Never click on any link or download any attachments from suspicious sources or sites you don’t know or trust. Also, pay attention to the language used. If it looks real, verify it by going directly to the company’s website instead of clicking on the link.
Switch
In a switch scam, the product is shown at one price, but when you receive it, the quality is subpar and it’s completely different from what you ordered. Another tactic is to attempt to upsell you to a more expensive item. This scam can be avoided with proper research and by reading reviews about the site and product.
No Delivery
In delivery scams, the product listings are not real. The scammers wait until you’ve paid for something and then never deliver the product. This is particularly common on auction sites. Research the seller first and be cautious of anyone who doesn’t have a significant transaction history.
Take Your Time
Fake websites want your money quickly. However, you don’t have to rush your decision. For example, if you need a computer, take the time to pick the one that meets your needs. Don’t let the site pressure you into a quick purchase. There will always be other sales.
Location
While there are legitimate online businesses without a physical location, the biggest brands typically do have one. Think of the major retail stores; they show clients that they mean business. A physical location serves as proof that the company is functional and can assist you if any issues arise.
Overpaying
In this type of scam, you purchase an item at the agreed price, then receive an email stating that you overpaid. Another tactic is when the seller buys the item for you, tells you a price higher than the payment, and then demands you refund the difference. When you send the refund, you’re out of pocket for both the original price and the excess amount.
Social Media
Companies DO use social media to sell products. However, they don’t act suspiciously if they’re legitimate. If there is a link, don’t click it, and remember that if a site has insufficient information and spelling errors in the URL, avoid it. Keep in mind that a genuine company will not ask you to pay through messaging apps.
Shipping
Always verify where the product is shipping from. Most companies don’t ship from an unknown location. They ship from established facilities and have an established reputation. A new shipping company might require additional verification, and that information should be traceable. Make sure that the company is authentic.
Warranty
Check the company you’re buying from and review their warranty policies for defective, damaged, or any other issues that may arise. If you cannot get a replacement easily or their offers to assist aren’t sufficient, pass on the product and find a better option that comes with a genuine guarantee. This will save you a lot of hassle.
Check The Site
When you’re buying from a website, check the history of the reviews. You’re not only looking for positive ones, but they need to be current. Paying attention to these details is vital. Reviews from years ago could indicate a fake site with scam products. Always be thorough and double-check.
Be Smarter
When you are more thoughtful about the choices you make while shopping online, you’ll avoid issues. With our list, you can shop like a pro, get what you need, and never worry about getting scammed. Remember to conduct your research, verify that the site is legitimate, and check the reviews. You can’t go wrong.
