In recent times, the craze for social media has been skyrocketing. As these platforms secure their place in people’s lives, more individuals are falling prey to scams. The primary reason for this is the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine and fake advertisements or online shopping offers present on these platforms. Unwittingly, people end up giving away their money without realizing they’ve encountered a scam. Here, we will explore how you can identify if you are dealing with a scam or not.
Beware of Shopping on Instagram and Facebook
Typically, ads on social media platforms feature e-commerce companies, but this is not always the case. Frequently, fraudulent ads can be found, leading users to place orders and make online payments. The scam begins when you find yourself waiting for the delivery of your product, but no updates are forthcoming.
After a few days, when you try calling the number listed on the website, it may either be disconnected or met with a barrage of nonsensical responses before the call gets abruptly ended. These warning signs usually alert you to the fact that you may have fallen victim to a scam.
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How to Differentiate Between Real and Fake?
Facebook and Instagram are significantly evolving in the realm of shopping. When navigating to their websites, it might not be immediately clear whether a site is legitimate. If you notice ‘Sponsored’ written on the advertisement, that’s generally a good sign, but if it’s absent and the post originates from an ordinary account, it’s best to steer clear of such websites.
To further assess legitimacy, check the comments section of the ad. Read through customer reviews meticulously; favorable reviews can provide some confidence for a purchase. However, if the feedback is predominantly negative, refrain from making a purchase.
Best Practices for Safe Online Shopping
1. **Opt for Cash on Delivery**: If possible, select the cash-on-delivery option. When you make an online payment upfront, the chances of reclaiming your money afterward diminish.
2. **Look for Contact Information**: A legitimate website should list valid contact information, including an email address and a phone number. If this information is missing or seems suspicious, consider it a red flag.
3. **Check for Secure Payment Methods**: Always ensure the website uses secure payment gateways and has SSL certification, indicated by ‘https://’ in the URL.
4. **Research the Website**: Utilize search engines to look for reviews or any reported scams associated with the website or company in question.
5. **Trust Your Instincts**: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Never rush into making a purchase.
