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Risks of Online Shopping
Online shopping saves us time and energy, is convenient, and the goods are often cheaper than in physical stores. Moreover, they are delivered to our doorstep. Everyone is aware of these advantages, but few people are also aware of the possible risks. So what should we be aware of and when should we be wary?
Contact
Be wary if the e-commerce site does not provide contact information or if the seller can only be contacted via a form. Communication between seller and customer is the basis of good business, and if contact details are lacking, it is better to look elsewhere for products.
Identity
Unsure of the identity of the online store owner? Is it hidden behind anonymity or not traceable at all? Then you should look at other websites and search further. Anonymity is always a risk when it comes to stores.
Few people read terms of service. If you are one of those people who just check the “I read all” agreement box, but never actually click on the link, beware. Because if the terms and conditions are missing or confusing or cumbersome after you read them, it\’s suspicious, to say the least. Again, you may want to look elsewhere.
Not everything without a rating is necessarily bad or fake. However, you should be more cautious about eshops that do not have reviews, as it is impossible to confirm that the store is truly trustworthy. However, many scam sites create fake positive comments and testimonials. You can see this by the fact that all feedback is almost the same and not written in common people\’s language.
What to Buy
Pay attention to what you buy and what feedback the product has. It is quite common to find that the actual product you bought did not match the picture at all. This is common in various stores, mainly in China.
The danger of online shopping is that you pay in advance for most things, and you never know if the goods will even arrive. Furthermore, you are providing the operator with your personal information, including not only your name, but also your address and phone number. Therefore, caution should be exercised.