There are the greatest bargains on the internet. But not all providers are trustworthy. You can find out how to expose fake shops and rip-offs here.
Checked4you , the online youth magazine of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center, has published a comprehensive website check on how to identify dubious websites, especially fake shops. Checked4you writes:
Wow, a monitor for 50 instead of 150 euros? Or branded sports shoes at half the price? Anyone who thinks: “too good to be true” could unfortunately be right. There are always online shops that entice you with super cheap prices, but this later turns out to be a pure scam. When it comes to paying, payment in advance is only possible - so first the money, then the goods. And that's exactly what doesn't exist.
There are also black sheep when it comes to services: downloading a YouTube video as an mp3 is okay under certain conditions, but which site is trustworthy? Here are characteristics you can use to recognize dubious websites:
The website check
- Which payment methods are offered? Only payment in advance (and possibly to an account abroad) is not possible! Other payment options such as direct debit or purchase on account should also be possible. A common payment method must even be offered free of charge - this is stated in the German Civil Code (BGB). More about rights when shopping online
- What is in the imprint? Anyone who offers goods or services must have an imprint. German website operators must, among other things, provide their name, a postal address and an email address. If something is missing or even the entire imprint is missing, it is not serious. It is just as questionable if a completely different page opens after clicking on “Imprint”. A check on a telephone directory page may reveal whether the information is correct or made up. And if the shop operates as an OHG, UG, GmbH or AG, for example, there must be an entry in the commercial register that can also be queried there.
- Can the provider be reached by telephone? In some rip-off shops, the phone number provided turns out to be incorrect - if in doubt, you can test it.
- Does the shop advertise with quality seals? Organizations such as Trusted Shops, TÜV Süd and EHI award trustworthy seals to online retailers. You can read which of them checks what in our label and seal overview . However, a fake shop can of course also place such a seal on its site without authorization. If the label is genuine, you should click on the seal to go directly to the certificate on the provider's website.
- Are there general terms and conditions/terms of use? In its general terms and conditions, a retailer sets out the rules for its contracts with customers. If a shop uses terms and conditions, they must be easy to access. For social networks or services (e.g. streaming), there are terms of use instead of general terms and conditions. The same applies to them.
- Is there a data protection declaration? What does the operator of the website actually do with the data I enter into a form there – does he sell it to strangers? What data does it store on my computer that I don't even type anywhere and what does it do with it? And in which country are the servers on which this is stored? Something like this should be just as easy to find as the terms and conditions/terms of use. If you don't find anything about it, it's better to forego the offer. That's why data protection is important
- What do others say? Simply enter the name of the website or (if mentioned) the operator into a search engine and see what entries come up. There are often already complaints about dubious things in forums or warnings on other websites.
And what about foreign sites? Different rights apply in other countries. Which law is applied and when depends on the specific individual case and may have to be decided by a court. However, it may be that you have no right of cancellation when ordering online or that you have to pay high postage costs for returns.
What should I do if I fell in?
You can let our legal experts check how you might get your money back. You should also file a report with the police and can also report the site to the Association of the Internet Industry .
via Checked4you , Fake shops: How do I recognize dubious websites?
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