Black Friday, CyberMonday, Amazon Prime Day, Singles’ Day, Summer Sales… there are many dates that Internet users have marked in red on their calendars. In them, they can make their purchases with significant discounts and some bargains in online stores.
Safe shopping on the Internet is possible by following these tips
However, finding bargains and discounts on the Internet is also possible at any other time. You can also get significant savings in many online stores on other days of the year. But on both, you also have to be especially careful not to be fooled and take home a rip-off instead of a bargain.
To help make shopping today a success, here is a decalogue with tips to avoid online scams. In addition, we remind you of your rights as a consumer on the Internet. Remember that you are equally protected when you shop online as when you make your purchases in physical establishments.
Tips for safe shopping on the Internet
-Know who you are buying from. Before completing an online transaction, look for the store’s contact details. It is an obligation for any e-commerce company to display its company name, VAT number, postal address and contact details on the website. If it does not have them, be suspicious.
-Look for references from other users. Look at the store’s ratings in forums and the opinions of other users. It is basic to buy in establishments with good reputation and that have not given problems to other consumers.
-Buy from safe businesses. Having an antivirus installed in our computer minimizes the risks and, when entering our banking data in any web, we must verify that in the upper bar of the browser, where the URL of the web page is placed, the “http://” becomes https:// which indicates that we are in a safe and encrypted environment.
-Do not share personal data. If the online store asks you for your card’s PIN or security code, be suspicious. What you may be asked for is the CVV (card security code) found on the back of the card. It is also unusual to be asked for personal or bank details via email.
-Keep the transaction data. Keep the order confirmation, proof of transfer or payment and any other available documents that may be needed when making a claim if you have a problem.
-Maximum delivery time. Unless otherwise specified during the purchase, you should know that on the Internet the maximum delivery period is 30 days. If they are not going to comply with that period, they should notify you and you could cancel the operation without cost.
-Returns. You can return the purchase within 14 days after receiving the product or contracting the service, remember it and exercise your right if necessary.
-Warranty. Any product purchased on the Internet should have the same warranty as one purchased in a physical store. If the product arrives to you and the package is damaged or damaged, better do not receive it, or sign the acknowledgement to the courier indicating the state of the merchandise.
-Claim if necessary. If you have a problem, contact the seller. If the situation is not resolved, take the case to consumer rights organizations such as the Municipal Consumer Information Offices (OMIC).
