Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams
As we move ever so closer to the Christmas period, and the growth of online shopping continues to accelerate, it is important to protect yourself against scams. The following tips are good to remember before making an online purchase:
1. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.
Online scammers tend to pick high demand items and then list them for a discounted price to lure shoppers in for a ‘good deal’. Always check the website URL for spelling errors and look for secure checkouts when completing a purchase.
2. Don’t reuse passwords
Websites nowadays ask for you to sign up in order to complete a purchase. As Cliché as it sounds, never use the same password twice. It can be very easy for an online scammer to gain access to further personal information, should they figure out one password.
3. Research and Check Reviews
The ‘perfect gift’ isn’t always sold directly under its brands website, or typical sellers like Amazon and Argos and you may happen to land on an unfamiliar website. It is always a good idea to research the website through an online search, as the likelihood is, if someone has fallen for the scam before, there will be a review online.
Always make sure to stay safe when making a purchase online. Don’t rush purchases. An extra few minutes making sure everything is in order could save you money.