How to Avoid Scams Online
Shopping online has become ever-popular, which has been tremendous for the shopper - it’s never been easier to shop. Also, the increase in competition linked with the cost-effectiveness with selling online has determined cheap selling prices for items.
All the same, as the online market has broadened, so too has the need to be cognizant of your consumer protection rights, and what you should do if you find yourself with faulty items or goods that don’t even turn up. Information is available on the web, such as the consumer protection act 1987.
Another consideration is which payment provider to use to buy your items, as each payment gateway has its own terms. For example, Paypal are an independent judge only for physical goods, not digital downloads. Knowing this kind of information is the difference between getting your money back or being ripped of by an 419 fraud.
Our advice is to do your preparation regarding the vendor : do they display their postal address and phone number? What is the seller’s terms? Their returns policy? Their privacy policy? All these inquiries must be answered before you consider buying from the seller.
Another very issue to consider: how is payment taken? In 2009, it’s inadequate to simply look for an SSL certificate - this doesn’t inform you how they store your data, only how it’s transferred when you make your purchase. If in any doubt, only purchase from sellers who use third party payment providers such as Google Checkout, PayPal, SagePay, NoChex and WorldPay.You can also verify the reputation the seller has with his payment provider, e.g. check his PayPal account and how many orders have taken place on this particular account.