In Germany, millions of people regularly shop online and use the advantages of so-called e-commerce (electronic commerce on the Internet). The majority of online purchases are completely seamless. The majority of private and commercial sellers and buyers are reputable.
However, there are also providers with illegal, mostly fraudulent intentions. Particularly when it comes to online business, it is advisable to have a healthy distrust and observe some basic rules of conduct.
You should pay attention to the following information when buying or selling via online auction houses or classifieds portals
- Read the product descriptions of interesting items carefully. With irritating formulations such as: B. "Computer - original packaging" or "shell" are sometimes not the actual products such as. E.g. computers, cell phones etc., but only their packaging or accessories are sold.
- Choose strong passwords to use the platform. Information about assigning secure passwords can be found on the website www.mach-dein-passwort-stark.de .
- Find out about the regular price of an item e.g. B. via online price comparison platforms. Not every item is a bargain.
- Carefully go through the reviews and trading history of buyers and sellers and use common sense.
- In any case, carry out internet auctions and purchases until the end via the selected internet platform.
- Protect yourself from data theft. If you're asked to enter sensitive information like passwords or credit card information into a form, be suspicious.
- As a general rule, do not open attachments to emails if you are not sure that the sender is legitimate. To protect against malware on your computer, antivirus software and a firewall must be installed and always up to date.
- Use the payment functions of the platforms or choose a payment provider yourself, such as: B. Paypal or Klarna.
- Don't be unsettled by alleged emails from payment services and transport service providers. These may be fake.
- If you suspect that you have become a victim of fraud, report it to the police. This is also possible online. Inform the sales platform about the case.
- Pay attention to security when transferring data. The first indication of this is usually an abbreviation in the address bar of the browser (https://...) in combination with a small lock symbol in the bottom browser bar.
Further information
- Further information and advice on safe online trading can be found at www.polizei-beratung.de or at the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center
- Further information on all subject areas of “cyber security for your NRW police force”
- And on: https://www.mach-dein-passwortstark.de/ .
Source: LKA North Rhine-Westphalia (PDF)
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