Shop Smart: 9 Tips for Avoiding Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. However, this ease also attracts scammers who create fake websites, phishing schemes, and other tactics to steal your money and personal information.

Scams have become a trillion-dollar industry. A recent survey reveals that in 2023, 34% of individuals experienced a cyber scam, while an alarming 85% reported encountering an attempted digital scam.

As online shopping scams are the most encountered scam type, we have compiled a list of 9 essential tips to help you shop safely online.

1. Check if a web shop is safe to buy from

Before making a purchase, use a trusted tool like F-Secure Online Shopping Checker to verify the safety of the online store. It looks into public reviews, technical details, security information and many other aspects, providing you with peace of mind when you shop online.

You can also unlock automatic website security checks with F‑Secure app /our own security app to be safe against fake shops always.

1. Beware of big bargains

Comparison engines have made it less necessaryfor retailers to offer massive discounts. Be cautious of huge offers that seem too good to be true, as they often are just a tactic used by scammers to lure in victims. Do some research on average prices for the items you’re interested in to help identify unrealistic deals.

2. Pay with a credit card or PayPal

Many credit card providers offer fraud protection, and PayPal provides support for safe online shopping. These methods often include dispute resolution processes that can help recover your money if you fall victim to a scam. Avoid using wire transfers or other untraceable payment methods, as these offer little to no recourse if you are scammed.

3. Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Promptly reporting any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card provider can help minimize potential damage and often lead to quicker resolution of fraudulent charges. Setting up alerts for your accounts can also help you catch suspicious activity as soon as it happens.

4. Use unique and strong passwords

If a legitimate retailer with whom you have an account suffers a data breach, your personal details could be at risk. Such incidents can lead to identity theft. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites, as one stolen password endangers all other accounts that use it as well.

Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts to protect yourself from potential breaches. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them easily.

5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Even a strong password may get stolen in a data breach. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond your username and password. This could be a text message, an email, or an authentication app, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. Always enable two-factor authentication where available.

6. Don’t open links in emails and instant messages

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from a well-known brand urging you to click a link, don’t do it. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser. This helps you avoid phishing attempts. Scammers often use logos and language that look real, so always double-check the sender’s email address and be wary of any urgency. A security app with scam protection blocks known malicious sites automatically, keeping you safe.

7. Be vigilant even with brands you know and trust

Scammers often impersonate big, trusted brands. Remain vigilant and always double-check the authenticity of websites, even when shopping with brands you know and trust. Look for small details in the URL, such as misspellings or extra characters, and make sure you’re on the brand’s official site before making a purchase.

8. Use a reliable internet security app

As online scams come in many forms, it’s good to prepare for a wide set of potential threats. For example, an internet security app that detects and blocks malicious websites for you can save you from a lot of trouble.

On top of that, an app that offers a complete set of security features like safe browsing, antivirus, identity theft monitoring, and secure password management will help you stay safe against many scams and other threats out there.

9. Take extra precautions when buying used goods from people, not companies

When purchasing used goods online from social media marketplaces, take extra precautions. Avoid paying for items in full before receiving them. Ask for extra photos or videos of the item to verify its condition and the seller's authenticity. This can help you spot inconsistencies or signs of a scam.

If possible, meet the seller to look at the item before making a payment. This allows you to verify the item’s condition and avoid potential scams too. And just as with new products, if the price for a used item seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use low prices to attract quick sales.

Trust your instincts

Protecting yourself from online scams requires a proactive approach to becoming more aware of the threats. By familiarizing yourself with these 9 tips, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to online shopping scams. So, remain vigilant and use online security with scam protection as your backup.

However, your first and foremost help is your own instinct. If you feel something is off when shopping, trust your gut and leave. Stay safe and happy shopping!