Online shopping has undoubtedly transformed the way we shop. We can get anything and everything online! It has allowed us to enjoy shopping from the comfort of our homes, with nearly 75% of global consumers shopping online multiple times a month.
However, this convenience comes with risks. There are plenty of scams going around, and scammers have adapted to the digital changes. They’re creating sophisticated schemes to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Alarmingly, nearly half (45%) of Indian consumers report that they or someone they know has fallen victim to deep-fake shopping scams.
That is a staggering number! But you can protect yourself from online shopping scams by being more aware of what’s going on. In this blog, we will discuss how to identify and avoid online shopping scams.
What Are Online Shopping Scams?
Online shopping scams are fraudulent schemes designed to trick you into losing money or sharing personal information. These scams target unsuspecting consumers through fake websites, phishing emails, and deceptive social media ads. In 2023 alone, global losses from online shopping scams reached a staggering $12.5 billion, highlighting the scale of this growing threat.
Types of Online Shopping Scams
Scammers have gotten creative and use a variety of ways to scam you. We have listed a few of the most common types of online shopping scams that can happen:
- Fake Websites: Scammers create sites that mimic your favorite brands, often using typo-squatting domains (slight misspellings) to trick you into sharing payment details.
- Phishing Emails: You may receive emails that look like they’re from trusted companies, asking you to confirm an order or resolve an issue. These often contain links to fraudulent sites or malware.
- Social Media Ads: While browsing social media, you might see ads for unbelievable deals or counterfeit products. Clicking these can lead you to fake websites that steal your payment information.
- Non-Delivery Scams: You pay for an item, but it never arrives. Scammers vanish after receiving your payment, leaving you empty-handed.
- Knockoff Products: Sometimes, you’ll receive a product, but it’s a low-quality counterfeit instead of the genuine article, especially with luxury goods advertised at suspiciously low prices.
- Card Declined Scams: If you’re told your card was declined and prompted to enter another card’s details, beware! This can result in both cards being charged, effectively doubling your losses.
Warning Signs It Might Be a Scam
To protect yourself, it’s essential to spot the warning signs early. Here are some key red flags to keep an eye out for:
Unsecured Websites
Before you click the “buy” button, always verify the URL. Legitimate websites will have “https” in the address bar along with a little lock icon. If you see only “http” or no lock at all, it’s a strong indication that the site isn’t secure. Trust your instincts; if it feels off, it probably is!
Unrealistically Low Prices
We all love a good deal, but if you come across prices that seem too good to be true, like branded sneakers for ₹1,000 or luxury handbags at 90% off, be wary! These deals are often bait to lure you into a scam. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, double-check it before clicking the buy button.
Poor Product Images and Fake Reviews
When browsing products, pay attention to the images and reviews. If the pictures look stolen or of low quality, or if the reviews are overly positive and generic, that’s your cue to proceed with caution. Scammers often fabricate reviews to create a false sense of trust.
No Contact Information or Vague Policies
A legitimate business will always provide clear contact details and transparent return policies. If you can’t find an “About Us” section or if the terms are vague and filled with typos, take that as a warning sign. Trustworthy retailers want you to feel secure in your purchase, so they provide information about the company and its policies. If the website lacks this vital information, then they are likely to scam you.
Requests for Unusual Payment Methods
Be very cautious if a seller asks for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These methods are difficult to trace and recover if something goes wrong. Stick with trusted payment options, such as credit cards, for added protection.
Spelling Errors in URLs
Watch out for websites with slight misspellings in their domain names, like “Amaz0n” instead of “Amazon.” As mentioned before, these typo-squatting domains are designed to trick you into thinking they’re legitimate. And if you are in a hurry and don’t check the authenticity of the website, then you may get scammed.
Time-Sensitive Offers
Scammers love to create a sense of urgency! If you see messages like “Only 2 hours left!” or “Limited stock available!” take a step back and think critically before acting. Don’t let pressure cloud your judgment! Do your research and verify the seller (and the offer) before placing the order.
Amateurish Design and Grammar Errors
Pay attention to the overall quality of the website. If it looks poorly designed or features product descriptions filled with grammatical mistakes or broken English, that’s a red flag. Professionalism matters when it comes to online shopping. Mostly, scammers do not have the time to create a polished-looking website, so they create fake ones in a hurry to trick you. So, keep an eye out for shopping websites that look like they have been created in a day.
Suspicious Ads on Social Media
Many scams originate from social media ads promising amazing deals on counterfeit products. If you’re unfamiliar with the retailer behind an ad, do your research before clicking through! A little investigation can save you from potential heartache. Do not go for the social media ad alone; check the merchant website. Verify them and look for genuine customer reviews.
Small Fees for Verification
Some scams may ask for small fees under the guise of card verification or registration costs. Don’t fall for this trap! These fees are just sneaky ways to steal your money and may lead to even bigger losses if you share your card details.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
With the right precautions, you can safeguard yourself against scams. Here are some actionable steps you can take to protect yourself and shop with confidence:
Verify Website Authenticity
Before making a purchase, always check the website’s authenticity. Here are a few things you can do to check the website’s authenticity:
- Look for the padlock symbol before the URL. This indicates the website has a secure connection, and all the information you share with the website will not be intercepted by a scammer.
- If the website URL starts with “https://” instead of “http://”, that also indicates that the website is secure.
- Check the business pages of the company, such as “About Us, ” “Contact Us,” “Return and Refund Policy,” “Terms and Conditions,” and “Our Policy,” to learn more about its authenticity. If a company does not have these basic business pages, it is better not to conduct any transaction with them.
- Don’t stop there! Take a moment to search for the brand’s social media pages. If they have any kind of online presence and share genuine user-generated content, then the brand is trustworthy.
- Check the domain age of the website to verify its authenticity. Use tools like Whois to learn who the domain belongs to and when it was registered.
A few quick online searches can reveal whether the website is authentic or not. If you feel something is shady, you can do these checks and verify it.
Use Secure Payment Methods
When it comes to payment, opt for credit cards over debit cards or other methods. Credit cards offer robust fraud protection and chargeback options, making it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong. Avoid using wire transfers or gift cards, as these methods provide little recourse if you fall victim to a scam.
Avoid Impulse Purchases
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a great deal, but impulse purchases can lead to regret. Take your time and research unfamiliar brands or sellers before clicking that “buy” button. Here are a few things you can do before making that impulse purchase:
- Look for customer reviews and find out what they have to say about the product so you do not make a hasty decision.
- Go through the product details section and learn more about it. This will help you learn if the product suits your needs.
- Read the fine print on the return policies to ensure you’re making an informed decision. If the seller does not have a return policy, it is better to avoid buying from them.
Enable Security Features
Your payment details should be like a code to a vault; they should be hard to guess. You need to fortify your payment details and use advanced security features to keep the information private. Protect your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, like a text message code, before you can access your account. Additionally, use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Outdated software can leave you vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats. To avoid that, you need to regularly update your devices and apps to ensure they have the latest security patches. This simple step can prevent malware attacks and keep your personal information safe.
Monitor Your Financial Statements
Stay vigilant by regularly checking your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. This will help you keep an eye on your expenses, and you can identify any suspicious transactions.
If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to your financial institution (bank, credit card company, etc.). Make it a habit to check your bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. If you spot anything unusual, take immediate action.
Educate Yourself About Scams
Knowledge is power! Stay informed about the latest scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Follow reputable blogs or websites that provide updates on new scams, such as Scamadviser or Scamrisk, so you can recognize them when they arise.
For example, scammers might use deepfake technology or fake social media ads; knowing how these work will help you spot them before it’s too late. Currently, one of the most prevalent scams in India is digital arrest; do not fall for it, as many have, and try to stay informed about all the ongoing scams.
Ignore Suspicious Emails and Texts
Be cautious of unexpected messages claiming failed log-in attempts or delivery issues; they are often phishing scams designed to steal your information. Instead of clicking links in these messages, visit the company’s official website directly.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online shopping scams while enjoying a safer shopping experience. Remember: staying vigilant and proactive is key! When in doubt, take a step back and double-check everything; you’ll thank yourself later.
Do You Think You’ve Been Scammed?
If you’re starting to feel uneasy about an online purchase or interaction, it’s crucial to trust your instincts. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if you might be falling victim to a scam:
- Did the deal seem too good to be true?
- Is the website not secure?
- Is the customer support hard to reach?
- Have you received vague or unprofessional communication?
- Did you make a payment through an unusual method?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to take action immediately. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Reach out to your bank or credit card provider right away. Dispute any unauthorized charges and explain your concerns. They can help you block further transactions and may even assist in recovering lost funds.
- Report the Scam: Don’t keep quiet about your experience! Report the scam to local authorities or consumer protection agencies like the Indian Consumer Complaints Forum. Your report can help protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the seller. Save emails, screenshots of transactions, and any other relevant information. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to pursue legal action or file a complaint.
Remember, acting quickly is key when you suspect fraud. The sooner you take these steps, the better your chances of minimizing damage and protecting yourself from future scams.
Conclusion
The convenience of purchasing from the comfort of your home comes with its own set of risks, and being aware of potential scams can make all the difference. Stay informed about recent online shopping scams and their warning signs to protect yourself from fraud. Share this knowledge with friends and family; together, we can stay safe!
And if you’re looking for genuine deals while shopping online, check out the Amazon coupons available on GrabOn. With a little caution, you can enjoy all the benefits of online shopping without worrying. Happy shopping, and stay safe!
