Consumers are increasingly using the internet for their shopping needs. This is highly convenient since it saves time and allows consumers to compare different prices at just a few clicks.
Unfortunately, however, not every online shopping experience can yield positive results, so it is imperative that buyers take all the necessary precautions when shopping online to avoid disappointments.
The consumer must keep in mind that while most e-shops offer a good service, there might be others who are fraudulent. Therefore, before making any online purchases, it is imperative that one is aware of the following tips and recommendations.
How to recognise a fake website
A legitimate website must include detailed contact information of the trader or company, such as company registration number, physical address, telephone number and e-mail address. Beware of websites with limited contact details, such as only an e-mail address.
Reliable websites must also contain detailed information on how and where the consumer can make a complaint if the need arises. Consumers must be aware that there is a 14-day cooling-off period when purchasing online.
However, one must keep in mind that the cooling-off period does not apply to all products purchased through distance means. In fact, personalised items, perishable goods and consumables do not have a cooling-off period.
It is always advisable to check the safety ranking of a website. Generally, one should take special precautions when dealing with websites that have been in operation for less than a year or have just been put online.
There are various places to check the validity of a website, such as scamadviser.com. These websites rate how safe some websites are by checking their age, where they are based and how people rate them.
Avoid those sites that only accept payment by money order. In cases of non-delivery, it will be very difficult, or almost impossible, to get your money back. It is advisable to choose a website that offers multiple ways of payments, such as Paypal. This is a secure payment method and also offers a service to consumers to lodge a complaint in case the product purchased is not delivered or not as described on the website.
Check whether the company has a secure site. While effecting your transaction, see if there is a padlock icon in the browser window frame and the site’s web address must start with ‘https’ and not just ‘http’. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’. After having made your purchase, check your credit card and bank statements carefully to ensure that the correct, authorised amount has been debited and that no fraud has taken place as a result of the transaction. Never give your credit or debit card details via e-mail.
If you are using your mobile device or tablet for your online purchase, be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. Always use your private network for a safer browsing. Also, consumers are strongly advised not to access any suspicious e-mails with links or other attachments, especially from an unknown source.
Always read the terms and conditions and the small print before making your online purchase. These most probably will contain very useful and valuable information.
This information has been provided by the European Consumer Centre Malta, which is part of the European Consumer Centres Network. The network is financed by the European Commission and EU member states and consists of 30 centres in the 28 member states, Norway and Iceland.
The aim of the network is to increase consumer confidence in the internal market by providing information on cross-border transactions and assisting consumers who have experienced problems with such purchases.
ECC Malta is hosted by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.
Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.