Over the years, there has been a rise in online shopping because of its convenient and its wide reach across the globe. Likewise, there has also been a rise of fake vendors who hide behind glossy photos and too good to be true prices.
Here’s how to identify and avoid them before you become their next victim.
1. Check their digital footprints
A legitimate vendor will usually have a visible and traceable online presence. You can start by checking their business name on Google and social media platforms. Check if they have a website, or the consistency in the use of their social media platforms. Fraudulent vendors often change username frequently or use poorly designed pages with few details about who they are.
A trustworthy vendor typically shares verifiable contact information, customer reviews, and business registration details. if the page is new, appears just a few weeks ago and it already boasts hundred of “sales”, that is a red flag. You can also use online tools to verify website legitimacy.
2. Unrealistic prices and Urgent promos
If the prices looks too good to be true, it probably a scam. Scammers often lure buyers with huge discounts, flash sales or with the popular “limited stock”. the urgency in the way they present their products makes you pay before you think twice. You can start by comparing prices with known online store and see if the difference is extreme. It it is, you need to pause and think twice in your purchase.
You can further watch out for statements or messages like, “Offer ends in 30 minutes!” or “Pay now to avoid losing your slot!.” This common emotional tricks embodied in words rush unknowing buyers to make payments.
3. Read customer reviews and comments
Reviews reveals the product and services that has been purchased. It reveals what the vendor might not say. However, fake vendors write reviews or pay people to write reviews for them. Genuine reviews tend to be specific. It mentions the delivery time, packaging, and the product quality. The fake reviews tend to sound overly generic or identical across posts. It usually praises the product and and the vendor. You can check the social media page of a review. Silence or restricted comments often signal something fishy.
4. Payments method and delivery options
Reputable online stores usually offer secure payments gateways or pay-on-delivery options. Fraud vendors, on the other hand insist on full payment before delivery, often to a personal account instead of a registered business name.
Before you transfer money, confirm if the account name matches the business name.
5. Watch out for poor communication and grammar
Professional vendors take their branding seriously. Frequent spelling errors in content write ups, unprofessional replies, or inconsistent messaging indicate carelessness, unprofessionalism, or worse deceit. If the vendor cannot clearly explain product details or return policies, take it as a warning sign.
6. Trust your instincts
Sometimes you might have to go with your gut feeling. It is usually the best fraud detector. If you feel something off: whether it is a pushy tone, inconsistent information, or just that uneasy sense about a product or service or its vendor, you might need to end further transactions. There is always another vendor offering the same product legitimately.
It only takes extra minutes to verify a vendor and saving you from months and years of regret. Stay curious and cautious and always double-check before you click, “pay now”.
