Online buying and selling have become a new lifestyle for Indonesians in recent times. Small to large online shops are booming, and large online shop advertisements frequently populate the screen, such as Tokobagus (now OLX), Berniaga, Elevania, and others. Shopping at an online shop is indeed fun, and we don’t need to bother going to the store since we only need to choose the product catalog and pay for it by credit card or transfer from a debit card. After that, we only need to wait for the product to arrive within a day or two. However, despite offering many conveniences, there is a serious threat that is very dangerous for consumers, namely, scams. Yes, there are many internet fraud modes using the guise of online buying and selling, and many people have already been victimized by these scammers. Therefore, we will discuss several tips and tricks to avoid scam modes in online buying and selling to protect yourself when shopping online.
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it is good to know the types of online buying and selling sites available on the internet. Generally, these sites can be divided into two types, those that directly sell products to consumers and those that provide a ‘stall’ for sellers to sell their products to consumers. Examples of sites that sell products directly to consumers include Lazada, Bhinneka, Elevania, Amazon, and others. Meanwhile, sites that act as intermediaries between sellers and buyers include Kaskus, Tokobagus (OLX), Berniaga, and others. Websites that sell products directly to consumers are usually safer, especially those that are well-known. Still, you must remain vigilant, especially for lesser-known small sites.
The first thing to note before conducting any transactions online is the device that you use to access the online store. If you access it from a PC or smartphone, make sure that the device has installed an antivirus, anti-malware, or anti-phishing application. This is crucial because many viruses and malware today often steal personal data. They steal not only passwords and login information, but also credit card numbers and other personal data.
Next, find an online shop that is trustworthy and has a good reputation with its customers. Spend time searching for information about the online store on the internet, whether in forums or on social media. Also, pay attention to the store’s rules and policies, so you won’t be disadvantaged in the future. For example, does the online store replace purchased items if there are defects or do not conform to the product descriptions? The most important thing is never to write your personal data in the online store, such as ATM PINs, internet banking passwords, and others. If any online store requires such information, it is undoubtedly a fraudulent mode.
When choosing a product, pay close attention to the product description. Is the product new, used, has an official guarantee, or through a black market? Request an original photo of the product to ensure that there are no defects, especially for electronic devices or clothes, such as laptops, Korean clothes, and others.
In summary, online shopping can be convenient, but there are always risks of online scams. Therefore, always remember to install an antivirus application, find a trusted online shop, and check thoroughly the product descriptions. By following these tips and tricks, you can minimize the risk and enjoy shopping online safely.
