Shopping online has become more than a necessity in 2020. This year alone thanks to Covid 19 restrictions the world has become dependent on online shopping channels. But, are we doing it safetly and how do we avoid getting scammed?
Too often we see an add on Facebook or Instagram that has been targeted toward our interest and we click it! There we find deals that usually seem to good to be true and typically they are, but we click the link and buy anyway. More often than not, our products take forever to arrive and when they arrive they are not what we ordered. So how do we stop ourselves from becoming victims of todays growing online market?
First we have to do our homework on the company and check for credibility. You can only blame yourself if you don't do this first. Start by Googling the companies reviews and complaints. Also go to their website and see if they allow real-time reviews.
Second, do they actually have a physical address listed on their site that you can verify with Google maps? If not this is usually a tell tell sign that they do not want to be found if something goes wrong.
Third, do they have an actual customer service phone number? If you yes, take two seconds to give it a call and see if it is legit. If the answer is no, then once again they have no intention of dealing with issues or complaints and I can guarantee you they are a fraudulent business.
Fourth, try to use a service like PayPal which gives great assistance getting your money back should there be an issue. I have been using PayPal for over 10 yrs and recomment them highly for online transactions. An account is simple to set-up, it is safer than using your debit card and unlike dealing with your back to resolve potential issues, PayPal allows you to manage everything online or via their app.
Fifth, always return the item if it is not what you ordered! I know it can seem like time wasted to have to go through the process but if you don't do this your throwing money out the window to complete strangers. If at all possible, when an item is delivered as the driver to wait while you inspect it. If it's not what you ordered refuse the delivery and give it back to him/her.
The five things can save all of us from being taken by shifty vendors online.
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