How to spot fake ads and avoid getting scammed while shopping online, Lifestyle News

PUBLISHED ONNovember 12, 2019 4:30 AMBYHidayah Idris

If you’re a 20-something millennial who has never shopped online, wow, you’re a rare breed.

Online shopping is so common nowadays because 1) we are too busy hustling to visit brick-and-mortar stores regularly, 2) it’s so convenient to have things delivered to your doorstep, and 3) you can get items from foreign websites or that are otherwise not available in Singapore. Of course, it helps that sometimes, the items are cheaper online too.

With the popularity of online shopping, scammers have taken the opportunity to cheat shoppers of their money in various ways, from fake ads to fake lucky draws.

The Straits Times reported that the Singapore Police Force released a statement yesterday, stating that they are investigating 278 scam cases, and most of those involved online purchases.

Between January and September, 192 cases of scams were reported, involving fake lucky draws purportedly run by online shopping sites Lazada and Shopee. Victims were cheated of at least $194,000.

But with such ads looking so legitimate, how can one tell the difference when all you want is a good deal?

Pamela Ong, Head of Sales at cybersecurity solutions provider ESET, dishes some tips.

CHECK THE DOMAIN NAME

You gotta be more alert while reading the domain name. At a glance, it might seem legit, but look out for spelling errors and other signs.

Pamela says, “Referring to the two fake, yet realistic looking, ads below, one would realise that the domain names are intended to confuse you with those of popular e-commerce sites, with very minor discrepancies—for example, stating amazonnet.com or amaz0n.com to imitate amazon.com).”

ALSO READ: Chinese consumers warned to be careful of 11.11 discounts

DO A QUICK BACKGROUND SEARCH

Don’t be too quick to click on the most clickbaity ad you see.

“If you come across an ad with an unfamiliar domain name, that’s usually a tell-tale sign of its illegitimacy. Do a separate search on the domain name to ascertain whether it is a legitimate e-tailer.”

LOOK OUT FOR THE SMALL THINGS

When you’re on the site, be equally vigilant to spot signs that it could be a phishing website.

Pamela says, “While fake ads are becoming more sophisticated, keeping an eye out for typos or slight variations in product names can be a quick way determine if the ad is legitimate or fake.”

ALSO READ: Common scams in Singapore: How to not get scammed & how to report scams

QUESTION LACK OF INFORMATION

If the ad asks for your email address in order to secure a deal or discount code, be careful.

“Scam ads are often deliberately vague to entice shoppers to click on links or share their email for further details. It is best to stay away from ads that seem to lack important details or require you to share your personal information for additional benefits.”

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS