The “red flags” of online stores
Here are some tips to ensure that the store you’re buying from is trustworthy, safeguarding your personal data and money.
First of all, you should do thorough research before making a purchase and compare prices across multiple online stores. If the store you’re visiting offers a price significantly lower than its competitors, this is a “red flag” that should raise your suspicions. Then, it is important to check the store’s information. There should always be a “contact” option somewhere on the website. Legitimate online stores always provide contact details like a phone number, email address, and physical location of their business. If the only contact information available is a mobile phone number, the store might be bogus.
Tips & tricks
Another tool that you can use comes from web browsers. On the left side of the address bar, there’s an icon (either a padlock or a gear, depending on the browser you’re using). By clicking on this icon, you can access information about the website and check whether it provides security for personal and financial data. If no such information is available, it’s best not to take the risk and avoid making any purchases!
Easy ways to protect yourself
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that you can also learn from the shopping experiences of others. This can be extremely useful, especially in the digital age. Almost every business is now listed on Google, where anyone can write a review about the service they received and their overall impression of the product they purchased from the store.
Lastly, special attention should be given to payment methods. All reputable stores typically accept payment via credit card or, in some cases, PayPal. For enhanced security, you can utilize certain options provided by banking institutions. For instance, real-time payment notifications and security measures for transaction approval. This ensures that you’re instantly alerted about any amounts withdrawn from your account, and if you notice any unauthorized activity, you can take the necessary actions promptly. If you detect unusual activity or an attempted payment not authorized by you, you should contact your bank immediately to cancel the card and issue a new one. Alternatively, if supported by the bank's digital channels, you can freeze the card temporarily or even cancel it directly through those platforms.
Accordingly, it’s crucial to make smart and careful choices when shopping, particularly from online stores, while paying attention to the small but vital details that guarantee protection and transparency in your transactions.