The business landscape is continually transforming, with people worldwide constantly discovering more efficient buying and selling methods.

The internet has become a cornerstone of e-commerce, yet fake online stores remain a significant challenge.

These fake online stores that promise to sell items at prices that are too good to be true aim to lure unsuspecting customers looking for a better deal.

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The Dual Nature of Online Shopping

While the Internet offers immense convenience for shopping, it also presents opportunities for scams. Individuals unfamiliar with online purchasing often fall victim to these schemes.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to interact with people who have fallen victim to such scams and one thing they all have in common is their inability to differentiate what a fake seller looks like.

These sellers are often very convincing and pay detailed attention to their fake banners. With a little guidance and smartness, you will outwit these scammers.

Several online marketplaces, such as Jiji (formerly OLX) and Tonaton, offer a vast array of products, especially second-hand items. Despite their efforts to secure their platforms, scammers still find ways to exploit users.

Let me share with you some common things to look out for to know if you are dealing with a scammer or not.

Tips to Avoid Online Scams

Here are several strategies to help you identify and avoid fraudulent online stores:

1. Check Reviews Critically
   • Reviews can be manipulated. Be wary if all reviews are excessively positive and seem to come from a limited group. This could indicate a scam.
   • For example, if you check the reviews on a particular product let’s say in a Facebook comment section and all the positive reviews are coming from the same people even though they are different then you are likely dealing with a scammer.
   • The chances that the page owner is deleting the real negative reviews is very high.
2. Verify the Physical Location
   • A legitimate store should have a physical address. This is a red flag if an online store claims it doesn’t have a physical location. Try to visit the store in person or have someone local do it for you.
   • These scammers prefer the transactions to happen online where you send the money to them and they promise to ship the items to you but do not fulfill their end of the bargain.
3. Beware of Delivery Fee Scams
   • Scammers may ask for a delivery fee upfront before sending the item. If the seller is more concerned about the delivery fee than the actual item, it’s likely a scam.
   • Let me narrate something that happened to a friend. He saw the product online and expressed interest to the seller which he agreed to send. But because of trust issues the seller agreed that he would send the time first so the buyer pays upon receipt which he agreed to.
   • A few minutes later the seller called and asked that my friend send the delivery fee for the item. He paid and the rest was history. The product never arrived and to make matters worse he was blocked.
4. Examine Product Photos
   • If the product images being advertised look generic or seem to be taken from other websites, the listing might be fake. Use reverse image search tools to verify the authenticity of the photos.
5. Buy from Manufacturer Websites
   • Purchasing directly from the manufacturer’s website ensures that you receive genuine products. Many major brands offer international shipping to unexpected countries.
6. Safe Meeting Practices
   • When meeting a seller in person, choose a public place to avoid potential robbery. Avoid enclosed or secluded areas to ensure your safety.

I have a strategy that has worked for me when shopping online. I ask the seller to exchange photos of our national identity cards. This way, I know who I am dealing with and can verify that they are legitimate.

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I like to request a video call to confirm their legitimacy too. If all checks out then I can take the chance of paying for the items beforehand.

As insurance in the event that you are scammed you can share their ID details on social media or report to the nearest police station.

When shopping online, it is important to be aware of the potential for fraud and scams. To protect yourself, you should take precautions to ensure that the products you purchase are authentic and that you are not dealing with a fraudulent seller.

One way to do this is to use a reputable logistics company that offers a service to verify the authenticity of the products it delivers. Droff Logistics is an example.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams. Stay vigilant and informed to enjoy the benefits of e-commerce safely.