More people have shifted to online shopping, especially with the ongoing pandemic. Apart from giving shoppers access to a wide variety of products, online shopping platforms also make it easier by delivering the parcels right to your doorsteps.

Online shopping may sound very convenient however it poses a huge risk if not done properly. These risks include fraudulent activities, fake items being sold, scams, and even personal account hacking. To prevent all of this from happening, online shops have certain regulations in place which have helped diminish the rate of frauds. However, no matter how many preventative measures they take, these cases still do happen every day and the only way to prevent this from happening is for you to be more cautious when doing your online shopping.

Here is how to spot a cybercriminal that’s lurking on online selling platforms.

The online shopping scam

While online shopping platforms typically deliver rather quickly, there are moments when the dispatching and delivery slow down. This can be a source of stress if you need their packages right away. If you have the misfortune of transacting with a fraudulent seller, you may not realize it until it is too late. If you are desperate to get your packages on time, you may find yourself communicating directly with the seller instead of just checking out items in their cart. To speed up the process, fraudulent sellers will tell you to take the purchase outside the app. This means having to pay for it using different banking platforms or e-wallets. Fraudulent sellers will also urge you to continue the conversation on a platform like Viber or Facebook. Once the payment has been made, the fraudulent seller will then stop replying to you or block you entirely. Now you’re left without your items and short of a few thousand pesos as well.

How to prevent online shopping scams

Always complete transactions through the online shopping platform.

       If you are looking to receive your package on time, insist on paying for the package through the online shopping platform itself. The process should still transpire the same way: adding items to the cart, checking them out, and paying for them using the prescribed payment methods. The only thing you need to bypass is the shipping. Instead of relying on the in-house shipping options, you can negotiate by telling the seller you’d like to arrange for your own same-day delivery instead.

       By pushing through with the transaction online, you have a digital footprint and proof a transaction has transpired. This also makes your case stronger (in the event the seller turns out to be fraudulent) because the online shopping platform has the responsibility of following up on your claim. If you complete the transaction outside the online shopping platform, you assume all the liabilities that come with it.

Read the reviews carefully

       If you plan on arranging for your own delivery, make sure the seller is credible first. Read up on reviews, particularly if they are easy to talk to and accommodating. You can also check the seller chat response rating. If they have a low rating or the reviews say they are difficult to talk to, stay clear. This may just lead to a major headache.

Document everything

       Take screenshots of conversations, transactions, and even the profile itself. This will be your evidence if anything goes south. The Philippines has come up with more laws surrounding digital fraud, so the more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. These pieces of evidence will be essential in locating and taking down the cybercriminal.

Online shopping is designed to make it easier for customers to find and get what they need. Don’t let cybercriminals ruin this great platform by falling victim to their schemes. Always stay vigilant when transacting online -- there’s really no such thing as being too safe or wary. Even seasoned internet users and tech-savvy people can be victimized by fraud. By practicing safe online shopping techniques, you can help ensure your packages arrive at all times.

Learn more about the latest online fraud schemes and how to prevent them by regularly reading up Metrobank’s Fight Fraud page. We offer the latest tips, techniques, and information on how to spot a scam and ways you can stay safe online.