In today’s digital world, online shopping has never been easier or more dangerous. Online scams are evolving as fast as technology itself, targeting unsuspecting shoppers through deceptive websites, emails and social media ads. With online shopping becoming the go-to for convenience and variety, it’s important to be vigilant and informed to protect yourself and your hard-earned money from scammers.
Below, we’ll go over smart ways to identify fraudulent sites, evaluate suspicious links, and respond effectively if you’ve fallen victim to a scam. Make smart purchases and keep your money safe!
Spotting a Scam Website: what to look out for
Deceptive websites often look surprisingly legitimate, making it difficult to distinguish between reputable retailers and scammers. These steps will help you shop safely:
- Verify the site’s security
Before entering payment information or personal details, check for security signs:
– Look for HTTPS: A secure site will have a URL that starts with “https://” and will display a padlock icon in the browser bar.
– Check the domain name: Scammers often register domains with minor misspellings of popular brands, such as “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com.” - Pay attention to the design and content of the website
Legitimate businesses invest in professional website design. Signs of a scam website may include:
– Poor grammar, misspellings or unintelligible language.
– Low quality images or broken links.
– Few or no customer service options. An unlisted contact number or customer support team email is a definite red flag. - Investigate the seller.
– Look for reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot.
– Look for any complaints that mention scams, unfulfilled orders or poor customer service. - Test the Contact Information
Contact the customer service team using the contact details you find (email and/or phone number) to assess response times and professionalism. Real retailers usually respond promptly with helpful information.
Suspicious links. How to identify them
Suspicious links are tools used quite often by scammers to steal sensitive information or install malware. See how you can make sure a link you receive is safe before you click it:
- Check Before You Click
On your computer, hover your mouse over a link to see its full URL. Avoid links that look suspicious or don’t correspond to the expected destination. On mobile, long-press the link to see its URL. - Use link detection tools
Web tools such as Safeweb (Norton) or VirusTotal can analyze links and warn of potential threats. - Evaluate the source of the email or message
– Check the sender’s address carefully. Scammers often create email addresses that look like the sender’s (e.g. “paypal.support@secure-check.com”).
– Legitimate companies rarely request sensitive information via email. If you are unsure, contact the company through its official website. - Be careful if there is emergency language
Phishing attempts often put pressure on victims by creating a sense of urgency. Phrases such as “Immediate action required!” or “Limited time offer!” are designed to make you act without thinking.
Common red flags to watch out for
When shopping online, watch out for these signs of fraud:
- Unbelievable discounts
Offers that seem too good to be true, like a €1 iPhone or a €10 designer bag, are likely scams designed to lure you in. - Buy it NOW!
Suspicious websites may display countdown timers or claim “only a few items left in stock” to speed up your decision to buy. - Suspicious payment options
Legitimate websites use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or established services like PayPal. Be wary of sites that require wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency payments.
What to do if you have been a victim of online fraud
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of online fraud, reacting immediately can minimize the damage.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider
– Report the fraud immediately and request a refund, if possible
– Many banks offer protection policies to protect your credit card. - Change passwords
– Renew passwords for all accounts linked to the scam, especially email and bank accounts.
– Use unique, complex passwords for each site and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible. - Report the fraud
Although the internet is notoriously difficult to monitor, it is best to alert the appropriate authorities and report the online fraud. Keep in mind that you may find companies online that claim they can recover the money you lost due to fraud. Be extremely careful, many of them are also scams.
How to protect your online shopping experience
Staying safe when shopping online means being proactive and aware of your surroundings.
- Keep your software up to date
Make sure your devices, browsers and security software are up to date to protect against the latest internet threats. - Choose trusted e-commerce sites
Use branded and established marketplaces that offer buyer protection. - Watch out for public Wi-Fi
Shopping on public networks can expose your data to cyber crooks. Use a VPN for added security if you must connect to public Wi-Fi.
Smart shopping tips for families
Safe spending habits start early. Teaching children how to shop responsibly and recognize scams is essential in today’s digital world. Woli, a smart financial app designed for young people, helps families develop basic money skills while promoting safe spending habits:
Real-time alerts: Monitor your child’s transactions with the help of Woli’s mobile alerts for every transaction your child makes, and spot suspicious transactions immediately.
Educational Content: With the educational content found in the Woli app, help your child identify suspicious websites and create healthy spending habits.
Parental supervision: Set spending limits and/or block merchant categories, and guide your child to make safe shopping decisions.
Recap
Online shopping should be fun and easy, but not at the expense of your financial security. With the right precautions and tools like the Woli app, you can shop with confidence while keeping you and your child safe. Happy (online) shopping!
