The Internet as a big shopping bazaar - nice thing if there weren't so many fraudulent dealers...

There are always reports of crimes in which online shopping plays a role. It says in the text, for example: B.: The person concerned ordered a games console from an online shop and transferred the purchase price of EUR 199.55. The device did not arrive and subsequent contact failed.

The further research that followed (unfortunately too late), for example at consumer advice centers or on rating portals, showed that they had apparently fallen for a fake shop.

[mk_ad]

There is always an increased risk when doing business online

These dangers therefore require special attention. Even if the presentation looks extremely professional and contains data in the imprint and contacts, everything could be fake. As already mentioned, you should research consumer advice centers or rating portals before purchasing.

Questions to ask yourself before shopping online

  • Are there already comments or warnings about the company or shop on the big wide internet?
  • Does the address even exist?
  • Can I reach someone at the addresses/email addresses/phone numbers listed before purchasing?
  • As is usual with reputable companies, is there an explanation of the cancellation policy and information about shipping costs?

In addition, the question arises about the price comparison of the product. If, for example, it is extremely cheaper, alarm bells should ring. Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to be blinded by particularly cheap offers.

  • What about the payment?
  • Are there several alternatives?
  • Are there secure payment systems?
  • Maybe it's even mandatory to have a money transfer system like e.g. B. Western Union required?

[mk_ad]

Mistrust helps prevent harm

For example, if goods are only offered via advance payment or cash transfer system, you should be very suspicious. Is it a recipient account at home or abroad? No reputable dealer works like that.

If you are unsure about just one of the examples listed here, you should avoid buying it. All in all, special caution, attention and a healthy distrust when doing business online will protect you from financial damage.

Source: Martin Ahlich, PP
Article image: Shutterstock / By Gwoeii

Also interesting:


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )