Quick Guide On How To Stay Safe From Online Scams

The Internet has evolved to the extent we can’t trust everyone. Online scams keep evolving constantly, with more sophisticated approaches by scammers. Here are some tips on how to stay safe from online scams.

Check out the social media links

Social media may be a core part of e-commerce businesses currently, and customers typically expect to check them on an internet search. Scammers understand this and infrequently use template designs that contain these elements. However, scratch below the surface, and often times this functionality isn’t even working. The scammer(s) are usually too lazy to truly implement a dedicated Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for their fake website.

If there are functioning social media accounts, take a quick look to check if there are any posts. Usually, if the website may be a scam.

Check the small print (T&Cs)

Scammers typically use placeholder or hurried text in these types of sections to give the air of professionality. If you discover these pages don’t exist or are of poor quality (typos for example) turn over regarding this online store!

Are brand names misused?

A lot of fraudulent online stores use brands names together with words like discounted, low cost, or perhaps free to get visitors via search engines. Brands sometimes don’t wish to see their products being sold via this sort of web store. Likewise, most serious online stores sell multiple brands and do not tie their support to one brand.

Also, have a glance at the design and feel of those websites. Aspects such as logos and images are sometimes high quality on legitimate websites, as brands wish to impress you with their products. Sometimes, scammers steal real media photos from varied sources. this may mean that the design of a website can seem inexpert, with odd-looking formatting or low-resolution photos.

Check the Domain name

Certain sites can attempt to trick you into thinking they’re legitimate websites. Make sure that the domain name (the address of the website) is as expected, especially if clicking a link. If you’re not sure, a simple answer is to search for the particular page through a search engine e.g Google. Fake websites rely on you clicking the direct link, and usually, it won’t be high in the rankings.

Is communication secured?

Do you see “HTTPS” in front of the web store URL or address? And is there any “lock” visible? In this case, communication between the online store and your browser is encrypted, the web store a bit safer to use. it’s no guarantee that the web store isn’t fake because the cost of adding an SSL certificate (what you need to secure communication) is minimal.

Visit review sites

A web store using a well-known consumer review system is sometimes a decent sign. However, some review systems are better than others. Check if the review system adheres to the Review Certification Standards, which means the web sore cannot delete or edit reviews without proper cause.

Are safe payment methods offered?

There are several types of payment methods. Normally credit cards and PayPal provide client protection by permitting customers to refund just in case the product isn’t delivered. Check if the web store supports this payment method. Never transfer money to a bank account if you have doubts about the genuineness of the website

Lastly, if you’re still not sure? Contact the online store

A good online store knows its customers want to communicate in different ways. Check if the company provides a phone number or an email and it’s active on social media. Call the company if in doubt or send a request for more information via email or social email. A professional online store usually replies within hours or a maximum of two working days depending on the medium.