More people are using the convenience of shopping online. It seems like we only need to think of what we need to buy, and we start seeing ads for that product! Well, maybe not, but especially if you did an online search for Google will use/sell your information for targeted ads. With the holidays and more people purchasing this time of year, that increases the potential of encountering scams and being a victim of identity theft. Such can be more common on platforms like Facebook since it is easy for international vendors and start-ups to buy ads. They are not vetted, and Facebook does not provide any recourse. There are some ways to be a savvy shopper.
1. It’s best to shop from home on your secure network. People can hack into computers on a public Wi-Fi and can capture your personal information.
2. Do a search for reviews on the product. Are people happy with and recommending it? Are there any reports of issues with customer service or warranty?
3. A legitimate retail seller will use a security website that will encrypt your information. You will know by the url starting with https…versus just http.
4. Look for a, Contact Us page. Is there a phone number and does it ring to the company? Are they employees of the company or an out of the country call center? Do they provide a legitimate street address? Double check by looking for them in that city on the Better Business Bureau. Some scammers will have bogus phone numbers, or put in an address of a distribution warehouse that is a shipper for many companies which cannot be contacted.
5. What is their warranty policy? Do they provide a return label? Full refund?
6. Use a credit card and only provide needed information for the transaction. Credit card companies offer protection against fraud should you not receive what you purchased, or are having difficulty returning defective product.
Remember, if the price is so much lower than the competition, that is a sign of a problem. It could be a cheap fake knock off, or stolen or damaged goods that they got a deal on. No company can stay in business or have customer support staff by selling too low.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2: 1-2
SINCE 1979