Shopping online is quick and easy.
But fraudsters can also hide behind online shops.
We explain how you can recognize such fake shops.
Munich - Especially in times of Corona, online shopping is experiencing a real boom.
This is confirmed by Volker Koppe, Head of Digital at the payment service provider Visa, to the DKB: “We see a clear trend towards e-commerce.
The pandemic has undoubtedly greatly accelerated digitization and thus also the development of online trading in Germany. ”However, the world of online shopping also harbors a great danger.
Because online shops can also hide fraudsters who want to rip off online buyers with so-called fake shops, i.e. fake internet sales platforms.
We'll show you how to spot such fraudulent shops.
Recognize fake shop: Conspicuous internet address
A conspicuous Internet address can already be a warning sign.
This would be, for example, an extension of the address to include additional domain endings, where only a “.de” should actually appear, informs the consumer advice center.
".De.com" is mentioned as an example.
However, this can only be recognized if the correct address is known.
Even if the address does not match the content of the page at all, you should be skeptical, as the consumer association explains.
If, for example, electrical appliances are suddenly offered at a URL on the subject of cosmetics, your suspicion should be aroused.
Unsafe payment methods can indicate fraudsters
Usually, customers can choose from several payment methods right up to the last ordering step.
If, however, only prepayment (for example in the form of a bank transfer) is possible for the actual order, you should refrain from placing an order.
This is also recommended by the consumer advice center: “First the goods, then the money.
Without a customer-friendly payment method, you shouldn't order anything. "
Scam: Strikingly low price
A low price does not necessarily have to indicate a fake shop.
But if the conspicuously low offers pile up, it is worth taking a closer look.
Often, fraudsters work with exactly such a lure method.
Wrong seal of approval - wrong shop
Seal of approval should guarantee the security of an online shop.
Fake shops therefore like to use fake seals of approval or genuine seals of approval with a missing certificate to deceive consumers.
By clicking on the seal, you can check whether it is linked to a certificate from the seal operator.
Because without a corresponding link it is likely to be a fake, according to the consumer advice center.
Fake shops and customer reviews
When shopping online, customers should generally not only rely on the reviews within a shop, as these can be faked.
If excessively positive reviews pile up, this can be an additional indication of a fake shop.
Customer ratings on other sites can provide more precise information about the correctness of the ratings.
Should these deviate significantly from the shop ratings or even indicate fraudulent activities, the online shop should be treated with caution.
General terms and conditions can provide information on fake shops
Fake shops often fall back on invented or copied terms and conditions (general terms and conditions).
However, these are not always easy to spot.
The consumer advice center therefore recommends not to buy from an online shop where the terms and conditions are missing or are formulated in bad German.
Recognize fake shops: the imprint
You should definitely stay away from shops with a missing imprint.
But not all fake shops make it easy for consumers to expose them as such.
If an imprint can be found, it must contain, among other things, the address, an authorized representative and an e-mail address.
In addition - if available - a reference to the commercial register with the corresponding number.
The latter can be checked more closely in case of doubt.
Summary: This is how you recognize a fake shop
Conspicuous internet address
(Un) secure payment method
Strikingly affordable price
Wrong seal of approval
Customer ratings
Conditions
imprint
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What can victims of fake shops do?
However, if you are a victim of a fake shop and have already paid the money, contact your bank to stop the payment.
In addition, the consumer advice center recommends collecting and saving all receipts for the online order.
Those affected can have the printed documents checked by the nearest advice center at their consumer advice center and file a criminal complaint with the police.
But fraudsters are not only at work in the online shopping world.
More and more crooks are also hanging around on WhatsApp.
(jsch)
List of rubric lists: © Christian Ohde / IMAGO
