Watch Out For E-Commerce Scams

A lot of websites are duping people by showing tempting Chinese products and toys for kids and adults. Recently, a DLF Phase 2 resident ordered an instant camera for kids worth Rs. 1200/- and received a water bottle worth Rs.200/- 

These websites aren’t traceable as they use fake multiple addresses every time with different couriers. The website offers lots of payment modes including COD at times. After so many complaints and reviews, such websites are very much alive and working so please beware everyone. Online shopping should be done through verified sources only. You will find a lot of websites advertising their products on Instagram or Facebook but are scamming people. 

There are ways to avert getting scammed by such websites

1. Checking the address bar: Websites that use safe encryption to transfer your data always have an https: at the beginning. The “s” specifies that your data is safe.
2. Domain names are important: Many scam websites tend to replicate existing websites but use a false or misspelt domain name. E.g., they would use “0” instead of “o” or “1” instead of “i” or “l”. One must be particular and always check the domains of new websites, especially if you are transmitting important details or funds on the websites. 
3. Look up the domain age: If you are still unsure of the domain details and whether or not the website is safe, you can look up how long ago the website was formed by referring to who is lookup (https://whois.domaintools.com/) or other such domain lookup tools.
4. Watch out for bad grammar / Spellings: Websites that are devised as frauds/ scams can also be identified by their language, how information is provided, and the fact that their grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are not very sound.
   Contact Information: Websites selling products, or services mention contact details and grievance redressal details along with their addresses. Bogus websites will mostly not have adequate contact details.