Shopping Online To Stay Safe..Here Are 10 Tips For Avoiding Scams

2022/10/01

1. Is it too good to be true?

Does the item depicted correspond to the price? Market knowledge A great product at a bargain price should raise red flags. You could initially believe you are receiving a terrific price but give it some careful consideration.

2. When in doubt: Google it

If in doubt, perform a Google image search using the product name or a downloaded image. Finding the original source is likely. The search will also show whether different purported companies are utilizing the same images to offer the same "exclusive" and "unique" goods. A warning indicator is when you begin to perceive double or more.

3. Check the business reputation

You'll most certainly land on the company's website if you search for its name. Instead, run a "scam" search on the company name. If there is a troubling history connected to the company, you will be able to tell quite quickly. Scamvoid, a website devoted to determining the reliability of online links, is another option.

4. Too new to trust

In some circumstances, a company's history won't be available since it is so new. This raises an alarm. They are probably one of those businesses that, after receiving sufficient orders, closes down before starting afresh under a new name and domain. There is a possibility that it is a genuine new company trying to open amid a pandemic. Apply some of the following guidelines to determine whether a new company is legitimate or just a fly-by-night enterprise.

5. Review the reviews

Look carefully at the reviews. Back off if there are none. If so, look out for the following red flags. There aren't many reviews, and they are all five stars without any remarks. If there are comments, they are often filled with sloppy English or ambiguous compliments that may apply to any product. Pictures of the actual received product are not included in any of the reviews. Because even the best legitimate businesses can't satisfy everyone all the time, the absence of any unfavorable reviews is a warning sign. As a side note, be careful not to read too much into the poor reviews if you are considering a reputable product offering.

6. Is it a ‘good’ site?

Is there a website for the company, as opposed to merely a Facebook page? That's a major no if not. If so, is the website fully functional or only present? Verify that the company has a working phone number and that there aren't 12 other "companies" listed when you search the number. Verify that a mailing address is listed, preferably one other than a post office box. Look at the website's "about us" section. does not possess one? Another no for that. Does the "about us" section mention the company's founding year? Does it contain information on the people who made the products? You can use Google image search to determine whether a photo on a page that purports to be of the owner or artist is actually a copy from another website, a stock photo, or a fake made by artificial intelligence. Do their self-proclamations hold up to scrutiny?

7. Social media presence: Do they have one?

Do they also have a social media presence that extends beyond the advertisement that appears in your newsfeed? If not, avoid the area. If so, you can click on the poster's name to find out more about them, including their location and the date the page was first created. You may also verify the quality of those postings and discussions regarding the business, as well as how far back their posts go.

8. Beware the ‘going out of business’ story

Reputable firms are closing during the pandemic. Illegitimate businesses have started latching onto this as a strategy to tug at people’s feelings to deceive buyers. Checking the launch date on social media networks and website domain registrations is one method of differentiating reputable companies from scammers. Avoid the company if it appeared during the pandemic just as it was about to close.

9. Fad ad clickbait

Beware of passing trends. Any hot or trendy thing is surrounded by knockoffs and ripoffs. These days, marketers are paying attention to political developments as well. Businesses spring up using names of phony brands to appear authentic.

10. Social influence tricks

AKeep an eye out for typical marketing strategies as well. Scam sites frequently make claims of exclusive access, which appeal to your demand for exclusivity, a limited supply, or time remaining on a "deal," which prey on the psychological value individuals place on limited supplies of things.

Shop carefully. Your bank balance depends on you.

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