When it comes to shopping, doing it online has become a favourite for many consumers. However, if you’re not fully aware of the various pitfalls that come along with online shopping, that insanely good deal could very easily become a shopping nightmare.
With more online stores popping up in recent years, it’s become more tempting than ever for consumers to simply click a few buttons to get their dream products. It’s therefore even more important to keep your eyes open and trust your instincts before you hit that checkout button. From simple security measures to paying attention to the appearance of the site itself – there are a number of things you can do to ensure you have a safer and more satisfying online shopping experience.
- Make use of familiar websites. If you haven’t heard of a particular site, rather ask family or friends whether they have used the site.
- Read up on the company before you buy. Most online shopping sites have several reviews from previous users which could give you a good indication as to whether to make use of a specific online store.
- Look for the lock. Check whether there’s a little padlock next to the web address. This means the site is secure and has the relevant security certificates to ensure your personal information is encrypted and safe.
- S is for Secure. Whenever you make a payment online, ensure the web address starts with “https” and not just “http”. The extra “s” indicates that any sensitive information (such as your credit card number or CSV code) will be scrambled once you submit it.
- Shop where it’s safe. It’s always better to shop online using your own internet connection. It you can, avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots since there’s a better chance of fraudsters intercepting your personal information, usernames and passwords over a less-secure connection.
- Careful what you click. Always go to the preferred online store directly instead of clicking on a link within an email or SMS. It’s also a good idea to bookmark the reliable sites you’ve used so you can easily access them the next time you want to shop.
- Ensure you use strong passwords and change them every couple of months. If you struggle to remember your passwords, you can make use of a password manager.
- Check your bank statements on a regular basis to ensure no unauthorised transactions and/or charges are being processed on your account. Inform your bank of any suspicious transactions immediately and change all your passwords as well.
- Antivirus is your friend. There are several reliable and free anti-virus options available and they can help protect you against any nasty viruses or spyware. Ensure you scan your computer regularly (at least once a month) for any threats and ensure your anti-virus is updated.
- Use two-factor authentication where possible. Whenever you log in to an online store, see if there’s an option to activate two-factor authentication. Once this is enabled, you will be asked to input a second pin that’s usually sent to you via SMS or email before you can log in or perform any transactions.
- Talk to your kids. While they may not have a credit card, they can still make purchases on their mobile phones or tablets. Teach your children about in-app purchases and tell them to ask you before they click on any links. Also remind them to never give out any personal information online.
- When using apps to make purchases, make sure you download the app directly through the official retailer. If you’re not sure whether the app you’ve downloaded is the legitimate version, you can always contact the retailer for assistance.
- Beware rock-bottom prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is and you should rather look elsewhere.
- Keep all your invoices, purchase confirmations and shipping and tracking numbers in a safe place. Should things go wrong, at least you would have the documents to prove you’ve made a purchase.
INTERNATIONAL SHOPPING
More South Africans are finding great deals through several international online sites. While the idea of shopping for something in the US or Asia seems daunting, there are a few things you can do to get what you pay for.
- Read up on the online store before buying.
- Check for contact information on the site. Should something go wrong during your purchase, you can then take it up with the company.
- Most legit international shopping sites will provide various secure payment methods including PayPal. If they only accept EFT payments, steer clear.
- Some sites offer very tempting discounts, but oftentimes you will more likely end up with a cheap and/or fake product.
- Don’t be fooled by the pictures. If there are any user reviews, read through them carefully before you add the item to your cart.
- Keep in mind that you will still have to pay import taxes on imported items. You can check how much you’ll have to pay upon delivery here: http://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Customs-Excise/DutiesTaxes/Pages/Duties-and-Taxes-for-Importers-.aspx
Sources: SARS | McAfee SA