7 golden rules to avoid being scammed as buyer online

Published on: Sunday, March 19, 2023

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Avoid making online purchases when using public Wi-Fi. By following these steps, we can help ensure a safe and secure online shopping experience. - Illustration pic by TurboFuture

IT was the first Monday morning of the month. I needed spray paint to touch up a scratch on my car.

I went to three hardware shops in town. But, they did not have the colour I wanted.

That evening, I went online to search for the item and after a few clicks, I found an outlet that sold it.

I clicked on the “colour” and “quantity” accordingly and made payment through my credit card.

The amount including delivery charge came to less than RM12.

There was even a bonus offer of “buy 1, free 1”.

The next morning, there was a message from the seller stating the item had been shipped out and I should receive it by the next day.

True enough, I received it on Wednesday morning. Soon I was spraying that scratch on my car.

My credit card statement would arrive at the end of the month and I had until the second week of the following month to pay up.

This means a credit period of about six weeks.

This was one of my experiences of safe and secure online shopping from the comfort of my home.

Sure, with so many reports of online frauds and scams, I had earlier done my homework on “due diligence” to scout for safe online selling platforms.

Over time and through discussions with friends and reading the relevant information, I have gathered precious tips for safe and secure online purchases.

I feel an urge to encourage my fellow senior citizens to also engage in this mode of buying items that we need.

The seven precautionary steps I had taken start with shop only from reputable and trusted websites.

Second, check for customer reviews and ratings.

Third, protect personal and financial information.

Fourth, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Fifth, make sure the anti virus and malware protection are current and running to protect computers from potential security threats.

Sixth, keep track of purchases and ensure that no unauthorised charges have been made.

And seventh, avoid making online purchases when using public Wi-Fi. By following these steps, we can help ensure a safe and secure online shopping experience.

Shopper

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