10 Tips to Shop Safely Online During COVID-19 and beyond

If you think the product or the website is not authentic, you should go with your instincts and not make the purchase. Often many shopping websites online redirect you to another page with malware or have cookies or only exist for data theft. Further, some shopping websites online do not deliver the products that they promise. Basically, they are not up to the mark. As a shopper, you will be able to gauge the situation better and even decide whether you should purchase the product or wait for the shops to open. Finding safe online shopping options during COVID-19 is of primal importance. Also generally before purchasing from any site or picking a product- do look out for reviews from other customers.

The payment gateway is another essential thing to be aware of as you opt for safe online shopping during COVID-19. Often people get duped due to lack of firewalls as they believe in secure transaction. It is important that you opt for a secure way to make the payment as you try for a safe online shopping experience. The last thing you want is to find your money disappear as you try to make a purchase. Do look out for the secure payment padlock symbol in your browser bar. That shows that the website is secure. It technically means that the website has an SSL certificate.

Chances of being defrauded with the pretext of a slew of taxes is very common. From necessary sales tax to the ones that do not even exist, there are sites online and even businesses that make extra bucks by conducting such discrepancies. However, as a tip for safe shopping online, you should ensure to peruse through your bill thoroughly and see if you have fallen for such scams. It is always best to be safe than sorry. Besides, who doesn’t want a safe online shopping experience?

When you’re checking out with some big online shopping spree, try to see if the products that you have purchased have guarantee receipts or warranty cards to validate its authenticity. In fact, some of the products that are sold online also have details regarding the quality assurance to let the shopper know that they are being sold the right product. It is very essential as it helps make your online shopping experience during COVID-19 safe and reliable. It would also be ideal for you if you require certification for the products that you are purchasing during online shopping.

International websites are known to be big scams. You would be surprised with the number of hacking and malware cases that take place on a regular basis. We don’t mean to scare you with it but it is always best to avoid online shopping on foreign websites if you do not find the website or the products authentic. A thorough research regarding the name of the website and the products they sell would help you enjoy a safe online shopping experience during COVID-19.

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Choosing a safe way to make the transaction online during shipping is important. Avoid going on websites that sound shady or ask your personal information. You do not need to put them out there because they could be misused. Rather, try to find recognised websites or online shopping platforms which have authentic products and wouldn’t steal your personal information for their benefit. For a safe online shopping tip, it is important that you put up only minimal details about yourself.

As soon as you receive your products, do a thorough check of whether you have received exactly what you ordered and if they are in mint condition. If you manage to find even the slightest discrepancy in the product, you can ask for a replacement or a refund. In fact, many e-commerce shops have enabled full refund if the product does not match your sensibilities. They have made the whole online shopping sphere during COVID-19 quite convenient.

Another big conundrum to tackle with while you shop online during COVID-19 is to find fake products at your doorstep. It is highly probable and might lead to a bad online shopping experience for you. To avoid this situation, you should immediately report if the products are fake. You would know if they’re real or fake based on the tags of the brand, the packaging of the products and other such fine details. At the end of the day, the safety of your online shopping depends on your ability to realise if you’re getting the right products.

One of the most important tips for a safe online shopping experience is to educate your near and dear ones about it. Share your knowledge and help them realise that they need to be more alert and mindful of the things they purchase online as they shop during COVID-19. It will be helpful and educational to them.

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