ONLINE SHOPPING: 10 RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Introduction

In recent years, online shopping has become quite popular, making it easier than ever to buy the products we want from the comfort of our homes. Although online shopping is convenient, it also increases the risk of fraud and scams. In this article, we will discuss 10 red flags to look out for when shopping online in order to keep yourself safe from fraud.

10 Red Flags to Look Out For When Shopping online

1. Unsecured website: One of the first things to look out for when shopping online is whether or not the website is secure. Always look for the “https” in the URL and a padlock icon to ensure that the website is secure and your personal information is protected.
2. Unfamiliar or suspicious company: Another red flag to look out for is an unfamiliar or suspicious company. Before making a purchase, do your research on the company. If there isn’t much information about the company, this may be a red flag.
3. Unusually low prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of prices that are significantly lower than what you would find on other websites. This could be a sign that the product is counterfeit or that the company is not legitimate.
4. Pressure to buy immediately: Legitimate businesses will not pressure you to make a purchase immediately. If you feel pressured to make a purchase right away, it may be a red flag.
5. Requests for personal information: Be cautious when giving out personal information, especially if it’s not necessary for the purchase. A legitimate business will only ask for the information that is necessary to complete the transaction.
6. No contact information: A legitimate business will have a physical address and a phone number that you can contact. If there is no contact information on the website, it may be a red flag.
7. No return or refund policy: Be sure to check the return and refund policy before making a purchase. If there isn’t one, it may be a red flag. A legitimate business will have a clear return and refund policy in place.

In addition to these red flags, there are also other warning signs to look out for when shopping on Instagram.

1. Unverified accounts: Be cautious when shopping from an account that is not verified. Verified accounts have a blue checkmark next to their name, indicating that they are legitimate.
2. Lack of product information: A legitimate business will have detailed information about their products on their Instagram account. If there is little or no information about the product, it may be a red flag.
3. Negative or fake reviews: Be wary of fake reviews or reviews that do not seem legitimate. Research the company and look for reviews from multiple sources to ensure that the product is legitimate. If the company has a lot of negative reviews, it may be best to avoid making a purchase. In many cases, a fraudulent Instagram business page will block comments or delete comments from the pictures they post online- especially comments of their previous victims calling them out. Therefore, a product picture without any comment could be a warning sign.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself from being scammed when shopping online is to always opt for the “pay-on-delivery” option. However, it will also help you to be aware of these red flags and take the necessary precautions. Always be sure to research the company, check for secure websites, and be cautious when giving out personal information. By doing so, you can ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe and enjoyable one.