How to distinguish a fake online store from a decent one

According to studies, which carry out the Agency for the provision of consumer loans, fraud with online shops is increasing: only from 2019 to 2020, the number of such cases has increased by 30 percent! How to identify scams? Here are some ways.

Foreign IP address

We are not saying that the websites with foreign IP addresses (so called a unique set of numbers used to identify a specific device that connects to the Internet) are always fraudulent, but transaction that occurs with the address of a foreign Internet Protocol, about seven times riskier than conventional IP. Sites based in China and Venezuela, are the most risky purchases.

The domain name does not match

Look carefully at the domain name to see if this is really what you were looking for, or is it slightly (or even significantly) different from what you should see. For example, if you purchase Pandora jewelry, you may have logged in URL Pandorapick.com. What else can testify to the fact that it's a fake online shop? Grammatical errors and lack of encryption at the time of purchase.

In the URL is missing an "S" in " HTTPS”

Before making a purchase on the website of the online store make sure the URL begins with "HTTPS" not "HTTP". "S" means "safe", that is, all communications between your browser and website is encrypted.

The site asks for financial information while browsing

If you receive an email or pop-up message asking for financial information while browsing, don't reply to it and don't click the link! If this happens, immediately close the window by clicking "X": legitimate companies will never request information that way.

Check the contact page to find the owner name, use the search service through URL to find more information about the website.

Disturbing words

When making decisions about purchasing something online be sure to read carefully the description of the product the seller, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished", "vintage" or "distressed thing" can indicate that the product is in bad condition or this product should be in a special category.

If it seems too good to be true

There is a strange return policy

If the return policy is superficial, vague or confusing, immediately close the window. If you can't return a product that you buy, if you don't like it, refrain from acquiring it.

Missing contact information

Anyone with a computer and Internet access can open an online shop under almost any name, so it is important to find a physical address and phone number of the online seller. This is needed in case of questions or problems. Start by finding the contact page. Its not? An alarming sign.

Confusing or non-existent privacy policy

Although you should be prepared that you waive some semblance of privacy simply logging on to the Internet, you should also get an idea of what personal information is gathered any web site you visit. If you can't find this information or can't understand, think about shopping elsewhere.

Odd Search engine results

When you find out the legality of the operation of the site, try Google or any other search engine. Find organization, its owner. You can also visit the transparency Report in Yandex or Google to find out the safety rating.

Bad reviews or reviews that make no sense

Find feedback about the website or the owner of an online store, to ensure a safe online shopping. Bad reviews? That's all you need to know, right? Or when the reviews do not make sense, for example, reviews about the light bulb, when you buy a charger for the phone. Consider yourself warned.

There is no possibility to pay with credit card

Payment via credit card means that your transaction is securely protected by law. That is, you get the opportunity to challenge the purchase and temporarily withhold payments during the investigation. If you send cash or money order, you don't get proper security. Better if we have a Secure transaction, where You are guaranteed protected from mosaicisti of the seller.

Don't overdo it

Not only the web sites you visit, can be a source of financial problems. If you have a social media account, you are in great danger. Even here you can provide information to fraudsters, which will allow you to access your credit card, for example, it may be information about the maiden name of your mother or the name of your beloved pet. Use multi-level authentication when you log in on your mobile device. Try to disable cookies on those sites, where possible.

If you suspect fraud

If you suspect Internet fraud, call your Bank or credit card company to alert them. You can change credit card, change the password or block your account. If your Bank account numbers were obtained fraudulently, close those accounts and open new ones. You can also contact the police, for example, the police and the Prosecutor's office. No harm will appeal to an organization that works to protect the rights of consumers.

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