Shopping Online on Black Friday: Tips and What to Do if Things Go Wrong
Black Friday is fast approaching, and that means scouring the internet for deals and irresistible offers. But before you dive headfirst into the bargain hunt, it's essential to ensure that the online store you're dealing with is legitimate and trustworthy. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling for scams and what to do if you end up making a bad purchase:
Be Wary of Suspicious Shops
Before you click "buy," take a moment to check the following factors:
- Provider Identification: Look for a clear provider name and company address in the legal notice.
- Data Protection: Check the website's privacy policy to see how they handle your data.
- Prices: Make sure the prices quoted include VAT, and the shipping costs are clearly stated.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Ensure the payment process is secure, especially if you're paying in advance.
- Delivery Time: Clear delivery times should be provided for each product.
- Data Transfer: Check for the padlock symbol in your browser while making payments to ensure your data is encrypted.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the cancellation options available if you want to return the goods.
- Reviews: Look at customer reviews to get an idea of the store's reputation and product quality.
What to do if You've Fallen for a Scam
If you've been scammed and haven't received the goods you paid for, you can take the following steps:
- Contact the Seller: First, try to resolve the issue directly with the seller.
- Report the Scam to Authorities: If contacting the seller fails, you can report the issue to your local consumer protection agency or law enforcement.
- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: They may be able to help you recover some or all of your money.
What to Do if You've Made a Mistake
Even legitimate retailers make mistakes. If you've made a purchase and then realized your error, act quickly:
- Check the Return Policy: Some retailers will allow returns within a certain time frame, often 14 days from delivery.
- Contact the Seller: Reach out to the seller and explain your situation. They may offer you a solution.
Manage Your Finances
While shopping online during Black Friday is fun, it's important to monitor your finances and budget. Keep track of your expenses on a consumer portal, and be wary of shopping sites that use deceptive SEO practices which may lead to consumer distrust.
Enrichment Data
- Check for HTTPS in the URL: Ensure the website's URL starts with "https" and includes a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Verify Trust Seals: Look for trust seals like VeriSign or Trustwave.
- Check Website Reviews and Ratings: Use third-party review sites to check the legitimacy of the website.
- Be Aware of Popups and Popunders: Avoid sites with many popups and popunders.
- Verify Contact Information and Physical Address: Legitimate businesses usually provide contact information and a physical address.
- Check the Age and Ownership of the Domain: Use a domain age checker to see how old the suspicious site is.
- Stick with Known, Legitimate Retailers: Shop from familiar and reputable online retailers.
- Look for Professional Appearance: Real businesses typically have a professional-looking website with clean design and error-free text.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your online shopping experience during Black Friday is enjoyable and safe.
