Scams to watch out for: A guide to secure online shopping

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Cyber week might be over, but the New Year brings tons of great post-Christmas sales. Shoppers’ dreams with spectacular promotions that drive us to both physical stores and online websites in the hopes of snagging some of the best winter deals. However, with scammers looking to prey on online shoppers, your bargain hunting can be cut short if you fall victim to a scam. Whether it’s giving up your personal information to a fake business or losing money when you thought you were scoring a great deal, scammers can spoil your shopping fun in many ways. Being aware is the first line of defense in protecting yourself, so let’s explore some of the most common scams, how to safely shop for bargains online, and what to do if you fall for a cyber scam.

The most common online shopping scams

1. Fake websites. Scammers create websites that closely resemble legitimate retailers. Make sure the URL starts with “https” and contains legitimate domain names.
2. Fake coupons. Scammers will send out fake coupons, especially around major shopping events. You may receive a coupon via email, social media, or text, promising steep discounts on well-known brands. To claim the coupon, scammers ask you to provide personal details or redirect you to fraudulent websites that ask for sensitive information.
3. Phishing. Phishing is when scammers send fake emails that look like they come from trusted brands like retailers offering deals. These emails often contain malicious links, leading to fake websites that ask you to give up personal or financial information.
4. Smishing. Smishing is similar to phishing but via SMS. You may receive text messages claiming a problem with an online order or offering exclusive deals with a link that leads to a fake website.
5. Social media ads. Cybercriminals often use social media to promote fake ads and products. If you see a deal on social media, always verify the retailer’s legitimacy before clicking the link.

How to safely shop for online deals

You can still enjoy shopping on Winter sales by taking some precautions that will ensure the safety of your personal and financial information.

1. Research retailers. Before making any purchase, take a few minutes to investigate the retailer by looking for customer reviews and checking the company’s online presence.
2. Click cautiously. If you receive a promotion via email, always verify the email’s legitimacy by checking the sender’s address and avoiding clicking on links from unfamiliar sources. Likewise, avoid clicking on suspicious links in text messages and verify promotions by visiting the retailer’s official site directly.
3. Use secure payment methods. Credit cards and PayPal offer buyer protection and fraud prevention. Avoid using debit cards, wire transfers, or unfamiliar payment methods that lack protection in case of scams.
4. Don’t be pressured into hasty decisions. Scammers often create urgency with limited-time offers, making shoppers feel pressured into quick decisions. Always take the time to verify the seller’s authenticity before buying.
5. Monitor your bank statements. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Early detection can help prevent further losses if your information has been compromised.
6. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). Enable MFA for your online accounts, especially for shopping platforms. This extra layer of security typically requires a second step, like a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password, which significantly reduces the risk of account compromise.
7. Install antivirus software. Ensure your devices have up-to-date antivirus software to detect and block potential malware or phishing attempts. Many scammers try to infect your device through pop-ups or fake ads, so antivirus software adds an essential layer of protection.
8. Use a virtual private network (VPN). When shopping online, use a VPN to secure your internet connection. This tool encrypts your data and makes it much harder for hackers to intercept your personal information or payment details. Have a look at the best VPN pricing options if you don’t have this tool yet.

These measures help you have a secure online shopping experience by reducing the risk of falling victim to cyber scams.

What to do if you fall for a cyber scam

Despite the best precautions, it’s possible to fall victim to a scam. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, acting quickly can help minimize damage.

1. Contact your bank or credit card provider. Contact your financial institution if you paid using your credit or debit card. They can freeze your account, reverse unauthorized transactions, or issue a new card if necessary.
2. Change your passwords. Change your passwords immediately if you shared login credentials with a scam site or received a phishing email.
3. Report the scam. Contact authorities to report cybercriminals. In Australia, you can file a complaint with Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Final thoughts

While online shopping events offer incredible deals and discounts, it’s also an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. To safely enjoy shopping, stay informed and click with caution. By recognizing common scams and taking security measures, you can reduce your risk. If you do fall victim to a scam, acting quickly will help minimize damage. Protecting yourself online is the best way to have an enjoyable deal hunt.