How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Everything You Need to Know

As more and more of us move away from in-person shopping and turn to online alternatives, the risk of falling victim to scams steadily increases. We've all heard the horror stories of people losing money to scams, which are becoming more sophisticated each year, or perhaps you've even been swindled online yourself.

Regrettably, there's no way to definitively ensure we don't succumb to one of the countless scams circulating the web, but there are some precautions we can take to minimize the threat. With these proven tricks and techniques, you can learn how to steer clear of some of the most deceiving online schemes.

Stay In the Loop About Common Online Scams

One of the best ways to avoid shopping-related hoaxes, or any type of scam for that matter, is to keep up-to-date about the current approaches con artists are using. Scams are continuously changing in order to be as effective as possible, and the people behind them are constantly thinking of new ways to become more believable.

Because the type of scams can vary depending on your area, it's a good idea to look for location-specific information while you're researching popular tricks scammers use. The websites of reputable news sources, consumer protection agencies, and scam-tracking companies are just some of the places you'll find helpful updates.

Check That the Websites You're Using Are Legitimate

There are some online retailers we're all familiar with, but you might sometimes stumble upon a company you've never placed an order with before. If the website is unfamiliar to you or you're making a purchase with the retailer for the first time, we recommend making a few checks before handing over your personal or bank details.

Review-focused websites like Trustpilot are great places to start. Even if you're satisfied with the ratings, be sure to look out for other key features, such as a URL starting with 'https://,' a trust seal when you reach the payment section, and any spelling or grammar errors.

Choose Your Payment Methods Carefully

As you prepare to make a purchase on most websites, you'll likely be offered a range of payment options to choose from. Along with debit and credit cards, many retailers also accept PayPal, mobile wallets, or instalment-based alternatives like Klarna.

If you're shopping on a legitimate website, the payment method won't matter much, but some provide you with some added security. Third parties, like PayPal, are among the best ways to pay. Your details will remain hidden, and much like a credit card, you have a better shot at getting reimbursed should you encounter any fraudulent schemes.

Keep Your Information Secure

Putting some effort into keeping your data secure is among the most important steps to take to enjoy a safe online shopping experience. There are dozens of things you can do to protect your information. This includes using strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, never using public WiFi for transactions, and enabling two-factor authentication.

Additionally, you should never give sensitive information, including passwords and bank details, in an email. A trustworthy sender will never ask you for data like this via email.

Utilize Security Tools for Added Protection

As scams become more advanced, so too does security software. These days, there are some remarkably effective programs out there that allow us to shop online safely. Most of us are familiar with antivirus software, but these are just some of the tools available to us.

For added safety, pair your anti-malware protection with the likes of password managers and VPNs (virtual private networks). Another fantastic way to make your virtual shopping sprees even more secure is to use a browser extension. Popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have add-ons that can block malicious websites and unauthorized tracking.

Be Cautious When Clicking Links

Phishing scams are everywhere lately. In most cases, phishing involves sending emails or texts containing website links. Once you click the link, you may inadvertently download harmful software onto your device or be asked to provide your bank details. 

Though many of us are somewhat familiar with the risks associated with following links, fraudulent emails and texts are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from their legitimate counterparts. Before clicking a link or attachment relating to your order, verify the sender's address and check for errors in the text. You may also need to do the same if the courier sends a follow-up email or text about the delivery.

Stay Alert for Red Flags

Unfortunately, the volume and intricacies of scams in recent years mean that we need to be more alert than ever when shopping online. As a result, looking out for red flags should be a top priority each time you visit a retailer's website, particularly if it's one you haven't bought from before.

Some things to check before making a purchase are the company's contact details, the payment options they offer, and the general professionalism of the website. Even if all of these seem to be in order, unrealistically low prices and pushy sales tactics can be signs that the site may be too good to be true.

Know How to Proceed if You Get Scammed

Even if you do everything right, there's no way to guarantee a well-orchestrated scam won't catch you at some point. Should you find yourself in such a situation, it's paramount that you know what to do next to have a shot at getting your money back.

Start by gathering any evidence that documents the scam, including emails, texts, and screenshots. After doing so, reach out to the company in question. If they won't provide any assistance, contact the local authorities and ask for some guidance about which agencies to get in touch with for help. In the meantime, make sure to inform your bank, block any other transactions on your card, and change your passwords.

Stay Safe While Shopping Online With These Practical Tips

Although online shopping offers a level of convenience that was once unimaginable, it comes with a price! As such, it's imperative to stay vigilant whenever you're enjoying a little digital retail therapy, and you can do so with these helpful strategies.