3 Secret Tips to Avoid Being Robbed

Posted November 21 2011

An unsuspecting woman had insult added to injury when a thief who spent $2400 online with her credit card had the audacity to send her a bouquet of flowers - bought with her money. Arriving to her Rhode Island home on 3rd March 2011, the unnamed victim found the $66 bunch on her doorstep with a note reading ‘thanx for ur money.’

Internet fraud is a many-headed monster which can manifest in anything from dating scams, or ‘sweetheart swindles,’ to stock market manipulation schemes. Alarming research by the Centre for Economic and Business Research estimated the cost of online scams in 2011 to be £165.2 million and predicted its rise to £195.3 million by 2015 in proportion to rising internet retail sales. Perturbing? Indeed, but by no means inevitable.

There exist three very simple but effective precautions one can take when buying online. Pick a good seller, use a trustworthy website and pay through a secure means. Rather straightforward yet the difficulty lies in the definitions. What makes a ‘good seller’, a ‘trustworthy website’, or a ‘secure means’ of payment? When equipped with such knowledge, one can shop online with savvy and without fear.

1.      Pick a Good Seller

Before buying online ensure there is evidence of the vendor’s physical address and contact. Study the seller’s privacy policy to ensure the safety of your personal information and acquaint yourself with the refunds policy. To avoid hidden extortionate costs, check the shipping charges and when buying from overseas be aware that there may also be duty or VAT on imports.

2.      Use a Trustworthy Website

The methods for ascertaining the credibility of a website are undemanding and rewarding. First and foremost, the URL must commence with ‘http’, do not place your confidence in any other. The second indicator of a trustworthy website is the presence of a small padlock symbol in the bottom right of the browser’s window frame (Windows Explorer). Upon clicking on the padlock, ensure the certificate is present and registered to the correct address. If using the latest Firefox, detect a site identity button displayed to the left of the web address for authentication in place of the padlock. 

3.      Pay through a Secure Means

There is an effectual and effortless trick for guaranteeing a safe means of online payment. When entering your card details, verify that the ‘http’ has changed to ‘https’ as this certifies the page is using a secure connection. Never pay if you do not feel absolutely comfortable with the seller and website, it does not pay off.

 

Armed with this knowledge you are protected from virtual crime and can enjoy all the benefits ecommerce offers; low prices, variety and convenience. And next time you receive a bouquet of flowers you can rest assured, someone bought them for you.