Online shopping is booming in South Africa and as more people choose to shop online, it’s important to know the risks and shop safely. Shopping online is much easier now that more South Africans have access to improved technology and unlimited fibre internet connectivity.
The internet is full of scams, so here are some tips to make sure you don’t get caught by an online-fly-by-night:
Also read: Load Shedding Solutions: 3 Mini-UPS Products Under R2,000 to Keep Your WiFi Running
Know who to trust:
Spotting an online scam is like spotting fake sneakers or other merchandise. From afar everything looks legitimate but if you look closely you’ll see the signs.
For example, if the website doesn’t start with “HTTPS”, then it’s best to avoid it. The “S” in “HTTPS” stands for secure and using a site without security is opening yourself up to a world of risk.
If you’re not sure which online stores to trust, then using a price comparison website like PriceCheck will not only help you find the best price on the items you want, but will also direct you to legitimate websites for shoppers in South Africa.
Common Scams:
Just like your favourite musician, scammers have a greatest hits playlist. These are their most common tricks to watch out for:
Dodgy Discount Gift Cards: Everyone likes a bargain and thieves will try to take advantage of that. If you find a promotion for a gift card deal and they start asking you too many questions, especially about your banking details or ID, then cut your losses and run.
Phishing: Criminals will often use real-looking email or text messages with links in them to lure you into downloading malware (programs designed to mess up your device or gain unauthorised access to it). Don’t fall for it. Your bank will never send you any email or other communication asking you to update or provide confidential information about you or your account.
Fake E-Commerce Sites: These scammers usually appear to be the real deal, rip you off, and then disappear in a flash. Often, thieves either publish competitions or create entire websites that look like your favourite e-retailer’s website and acquire your details when you pay. To make sure you are safe, search the URL here, triple check the refund policy, look out for any spelling errors and check the site’s reviews. Don’t click on any weird ads or “article links” and bookmark your favourite sites so that you can get there quickly.
Most Importantly:
Use proper passwords. Having different variations of “Password123” is not going to fool anyone. You need a strong password with numbers, upper and lower case letters and characters. You also need to change them regularly. Keeping up with that can be difficult which is why browsers will often help you create strong passwords. You can also use authenticator apps that will regularly help you randomly change your login details so that you stay one step ahead of the scam.
For South Africans who experience the benefits of unlimited connectivity, a new world of exciting, limitless shopping opportunities are at your fingertips. Like anything in life, you need to take a few safety precautions when you are shopping online. Once you do, you’ll have access to the best, legitimate, deals in the world.
