Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. You can buy just about anything at any time, but with convenience comes risk. From fake websites and sketchy deals to phishing emails and data breaches, online scams are more sophisticated than ever. Knowing how to spot red flags and protect your personal information is essential if you want to protect yourself while shopping online.
By seeking out trustworthy retailers, safeguarding your info, and using the right tools, you can enjoy the perks of digital shopping without falling victim to scams. Here are our tips to stay safe, find reliable reviews, and avoid getting duped while shopping online.
Stick with Reputable Retailers
One of the easiest ways to avoid scams is to shop with brands and websites you know and trust. While small businesses and new sites can be a nice way to discover something new, scammers often set up convincing lookalikes or completely fake shops to trick shoppers. If a site is unfamiliar, take a moment to verify its legitimacy before shopping.
– Look for “https” in the web address and a padlock icon in the browser bar. The “s” indicates “secure.”
– Check the website’s contact page for a physical address and customer service number.
– Watch out for misspellings in the web address, i.e. “www.walmatr.com”
– Google the business name + “scam” or “reviews” to see if others have flagged issues.
– Look to sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau for background information.
– When in doubt, stick to major retailers or marketplaces you know.
Know the Signs of a Scam
Scammers are good at making fake websites, social media ads, and emails look legit – but there are often subtle (or not-so-subtle) clues. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Trust your instincts and don’t let urgency or deep discounts pressure you into a hasty purchase.
– Beware of prices that are dramatically lower than anywhere else.
– Look for spelling or grammar errors in the website text or branding.
– Be cautious of vague return policies or no return information at all.
– Avoid websites that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, crypto, or other payment methods that are hard to trace.
Protect Your Personal & Payment Information
When shopping online, it’s important to safeguard your financial and personal data. Only share what’s absolutely necessary, and always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. Keeping your accounts and devices protected adds an extra layer of defense.
– Use credit cards or mobile wallets, like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
– Avoid saving credit card info on websites or shopping platforms, unless you shop there regularly (this can also help prevent impulsive shopping).
– Enable two-factor authentication when available.
– Keep your devices’ software and antivirus programs up to date.
Use Reviews—But Read Between the Lines
Reviews can be incredibly helpful for vetting products and sellers, but not all reviews are created equal. Fake reviews are common, especially on third-party marketplaces, so it’s important to evaluate them with a critical eye. Look for patterns and balance quantity with quality.
– Look for detailed reviews with photos or videos – these are harder to fake.
– Be wary of products with only 5-star reviews and no critiques.
– Read the glowing reviews, but also read some bad reviews. We find bad reviews to be telling.
– Use review checker tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to analyze authenticity.
– Compare reviews across different sites to get a well-rounded perspective.
Use Tools That Help You Shop Safer
A number of apps are designed to help consumers shop smarter and safer. These resources can help you spot red flags and avoid risky purchases. Most of them are free and easy to install.
– Try tools like ScamAdvisor to verify unfamiliar websites before you buy.
– Use password managers like LastPass or 1Password to securely manage login credentials.
– Sign up for a security tool, like McAfee to get alerts about suspicious sites. Also, if you use Google Chrome, Gmail, and Google Search, Google Safe Browsing, which is automatically enabled, can alert you to suspicious emails and websites.
Watch for Red Flags After You Order
Even after you’ve placed an order, it’s important to stay alert. Scammers sometimes send fake shipping emails or never fulfill purchases at all. Monitoring your inbox and payment accounts can help you catch issues early and take action if needed.
– Save your confirmation email and track your order through official retailer channels.
– Watch for suspicious follow-up emails asking for more personal information.
– File disputes quickly through your payment provider if something seems off.
– Monitor your credit card or bank statement for unexpected charges.
Last Resort: Use Social Media
If the retailer’s customer service doesn’t respond in an acceptable way (or not at all), you can sometimes get a more favorite result if you post your grievances on social media.
– When you post, tag the retailer and include the basic facts in your post.
– The retailer may respond and invite you to connect in DM’s, but be very careful at this stage because imposter accounts scan social media for complaints.
– Check the handle carefully. Is it the official retailer handle? Don’t be fooled by blue checks because they can be purchases.
– They may ask to connect on WhatsApp or another platform, but instead, ask them to contact you directly at the phone number they have on file from your order.
– If you don’t do this, you may encounter high-pressure tactics like asking you to enter payment details into a money exchange app so they can “reimburse” you – this happened to us! – or requesting sensitive info, like your address or credit card details.
– If you do resolve a dispute through social media, delete your post after so scammers won’t find it.
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