Online shopping 5 essential reflexes to avoid scams
Online shopping has become part of our daily lives. Convenient and fast, they also present certain risks if we're not careful. Here are five key questions to ask yourself, according to Stéphane Koch, before finalizing a payment.
1 Who is the recipient?
First and foremost, check the identity of the seller. A reliable site clearly displays its legal information: company name, address, telephone number and general terms and conditions. Also check the URL, i.e. the domain name.
Finally, trust customer reviews, but beware of fake ones.
In Switzerland, TWINT is a secure means of payment, provided you are certain of the recipient. Take the time to check the phone number or QR code associated with the merchant, especially in view of the increase in fake QR code scams, particularly on parking meters or in advertisements.
2 What's it all about?
Beware of overly tempting offers or implausible discounts. To assess the seriousness of an offer, compare prices on different sites. Before confirming your order, remember to capture all important information: product images, price, description and general terms and conditions of sale. This evidence can be useful in the event of a dispute.
3 What are the purchasing conditions?
Before you click on "pay", please read the terms and conditions of sale carefully . They specify your rights in terms of delivery, returns and the use of your personal data.
Beware of hidden costs, especially when buying from a foreign site: shipping costs, VAT, customs fees... These elements can considerably increase the final invoice.
4 By what means?
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, never make a payment from an unsecured public Wi-Fi network (such as those in cafés, hotels or airports). A simple security measure: update your devices (computer, smartphone, tablet) and use a secure connection via VPN.
Here are some reliable VPNs to use:Â
5 Has my e-mail address been hacked?
It's always a good idea to check whether your personal data has been compromised. With our e-mail verification tool, you can find out in seconds whether your address is part of a known data leak. Click here to test your e-mail address.
Useful links for safe online shopping
- Check a company : zefix.ch
- Report a scam online: suisse-epolice.ch/cybercrime-case
- Cybersecurity consulting: skppsc.ch
- Online banking security : ebas.ch
To avoid the pitfalls of online shopping, remain vigilant at every stage of the purchase. A little caution today can save you a lot of trouble tomorrow!Â