Prekės Internete: How to Choose and Avoid ScamsBuying goods online offers convenience, variety, and often better prices — but it also brings risks: misleading listings, low-quality products, stolen credit card information, and full-on scams. This article explains, in clear English, how to choose products wisely when shopping online and how to spot and avoid common fraud schemes. Practical tips, checklists, and real-world examples will help you shop confidently.
Why online shopping can be risky
Online marketplaces and independent webshops make it easy for anyone to list items. With anonymity and minimal regulation in some places, dishonest sellers can operate alongside reputable businesses. Common risks include:
- Counterfeit or low-quality products sent instead of advertised items.
- Fake online stores that take payment but never ship.
- Phishing and fake payment pages stealing card details.
- Misleading descriptions and hidden fees.
- Poor return, warranty, or customer support policies.
Before you buy: research and verification
- Check seller reputation
- Look for reviews on the platform (stars, comments).
- Search the seller’s name plus words like “scam”, “fake”, “complaint”.
- Prefer sellers with verified badges or long histories.
- Read product reviews critically
- Watch for repetitive or generic language indicating fake reviews.
- Check for photos or videos from actual buyers.
- Use review dates to spot sudden influxes of positive reviews.
- Verify the website
- Check for HTTPS and a valid SSL certificate — the padlock icon isn’t enough to prove trust but is necessary for secure data transfer.
- Look for contact information: physical address, phone number, and clear company details.
- Use WHOIS or domain lookup tools to see how long the site has existed — brand-new domains can be a red flag.
- Compare prices
- If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices across reputable stores.
- Extremely low prices on brand-name items often indicate counterfeits.
- Review shipping and return policies
- Clear return windows, refund procedures, and shipping timelines are signs of legitimate businesses.
- Beware of stores with “no returns” or vague policies.
Secure payment and protecting your data
- Use secure payment methods: credit cards or trusted services (PayPal, Apple Pay) that offer buyer protection.
- Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers to unknown sellers.
- Never enter card details on suspicious-looking checkout pages — check the URL carefully.
- Use a virtual or single-use card number if your bank offers one.
- Keep software and browser updated, and use antivirus tools to reduce malware risk.
Spotting common scam types
- Fake marketplaces and clone sites
- Scammers copy well-known storefront designs. Check the URL carefully; minor typos or extra words can be a giveaway.
- Look for poor grammar, low-quality images, and inconsistent branding.
- Non-delivery scams
- The site accepts payment but doesn’t ship. Track orders and keep proof of payment to dispute charges.
- Bait-and-switch
- Ads show high-end models but ship a cheaper, different product. Read product specifications and ask for serial numbers if applicable.
- Phishing and fake customer support
- Emails or chat messages asking for payment confirmation or login details can be phishing. Always verify via the official website or known contact channels.
- Auction and marketplace fraud
- On peer-to-peer platforms, insist on buyer/seller protections and verified accounts. Be cautious with sellers who push for off-platform payments.
After purchase: what to do if something goes wrong
- Document everything: order confirmations, screenshots of listings, messages with the seller, tracking info.
- Contact the seller first and request a refund or replacement according to their policy.
- If the seller is unresponsive, file a dispute with your payment provider or platform (PayPal claim, credit card chargeback, marketplace resolution center).
- Report the site or seller to consumer protection agencies, such as local trading standards or national anti-fraud bodies.
- If you suspect identity theft or credit card fraud, contact your bank immediately and consider freezing your card.
Practical checklist (before you click “Buy”)
- Seller has credible reviews and history.
- Product reviews include real photos/videos.
- Website uses HTTPS and shows company details.
- Price is within a reasonable range compared to competitors.
- Secure payment method available.
- Clear shipping, returns, and warranty information.
Tips for specific product categories
- Electronics: Verify IMEI/serial numbers for phones; check warranty coverage and compatibility specs.
- Fashion: Review size charts and return policies; beware of branded items at deep discounts.
- Cosmetics and supplements: Prefer retailers with batch/lab information; avoid sellers without ingredient lists.
- Used items: Request detailed photos, proof of ownership, and meet in safe public places for local pick-up.
Final notes
Shopping online can be safe and rewarding when you combine common-sense checks with secure payment practices. Focus on seller credibility, realistic pricing, clear policies, and documented communication. If something feels off, pause — it’s better to miss a deal than risk a scam.
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