From Cyprus Police
The internet, of course, proved valuable in the period of the koronovirus with the obligatory restriction at home. Its functions and applications have been catalytic in order to continue communication between people, but also in areas such as education and trade.
Despite all its beneficial nature, however, every internet user should know about the pitfalls set up in it by various fraudsters. Particularly in the field of online shopping, there are not a few of those users who fall victim to fraudsters who operate on the network. After all, the online commerce sector has grown so much in recent years that it would be impossible not to attract any kind of fraudster who would like to benefit from a part of the billions that are trafficked every day.
For this reason, our activity on the internet and especially when we want to buy or even sell something online, should always be done with great care. We should be suspicious that behind the profile of any prospective seller or buyer may be someone or some fraudsters, who have a specific plan and aim to trick us and squeeze our money.
Understanding them is not easy. Most of the time, these people act on a well-organised plan, and their mode of action varies. What we can do is reduce the risk by following some rules of online behaviour when it comes to doing some online shopping.
1. We always buy from reliable sources The purchase of products from unknown online sources always contains a greater risk. That is why it is preferable to make our purchases from pages that we have used before or for which we have enough information about their reliability.
Even in these cases, however, we will necessarily have to check the ratings of other customers before deciding to place our order.
It is also preferable to use domestic store and retail websites (when possible), as it is easier and more likely to solve problems that may arise.
Before we proceed to purchase from a website, we make sure of the secure data transfer process. Search for the padlock symbol in the URL bar and use the HTTPS and SSL protocols when browsing the web.
Don't forget to leave your own comment on this website or seller at the end of your service experience. This will help others to recognise the badlands and avoid the pitfalls.
2. We use the delivery process When we buy products online from a private seller, we never send upfront money to the seller. If possible, we reserve the right to receive the product beforehand, using the delivery procedure.
3. We always use credit cards Using our credit card to make our purchases, we increase the chances of receiving compensation in case of fraud. Most cards have a strong customer protection policy. If you don't receive the product you ordered, the card issuer will probably compensate you.
However, the use of our card should be done with great care. If you are not going to buy a product or service, do not submit your card details to any website.
Many online stores ask for payment information to be stored. Before you decide, think twice and make sure you understand the dangers behind this.
In cases of purchase of services with repeated charge, before giving your card details, look for how to stop these charges.
Never give your number, PIN or any other information about your card by email.
Avoid online purchases on websites that do not use full authentication (Verified by VISA/ MasterCard Secure Code).
4. We pay only via a secure device and internet connection Before we proceed to pay any amount, we make sure of how secure our internet connection and our device is.
In other words, we avoid the use of free or open/public Wi-Fi networks and keep the operating system and security software of our device refreshed.
5. We don't trust ads, pop-ups and super offers The reason is obvious! The purpose of ads and promotions is to reach the audience and sometimes fool them.
In addition, if a pop-up window claims to have won a prize, think carefully before you open it, because you're very likely to win a nice... Malware.
6. We keep receipts When we purchase a product or service, we always store all evidence and documents related to these purchases. It may be necessary later to prove the terms and conditions of our purchase or payment for this purchase.
7. What do we do if we don't pick up the products? We're communicating with the seller. If we don't get a response, we contact our bank.
The police's information in such cases and in any possible fraud case should be taken for granted.
