January 5, 2018
“I really don’t fancy this online stuff – I would much rather touch the clothes and see the food items inside the actual store. But then there are others who prefer buying online as it seems so quick and easy.”
At this stage, in South Africa, about 22% of all Internet users have made online purchases.
An EFT payment gateway start-up company in South Africa enables users to make secure EFT payments at less cost compared to the credit card charges most banks charge. This is something that draws Internet users to go and do online shopping. According to the Online Retail in South Africa 2016 Report (World Wide Worx), South African online shopping was valued at about R9 billion, and this is estimated to double by 2020. As South Africans increasingly engage with online shopping, it makes sense that they should be alerted to the dangers of cybercrime. Having said that, online shoppers also need to know that online shopping can be quite a safe way of certain buying items, as long as they pay attention to following dos and don’ts.
The online user is shopping online for the very reason that he or she does not have the time to go to the shops and feel, see and touch all the items required. So the online shop needs to provide clear pictures of each item from various angles.
Many online shops make all sorts of claims about, for instance, their organic food items, but their authenticity can only really be tested once you can personally examine the actual food item. If you are going to buy health foods, then make sure you go to those sites that have a good reputation.
When you spot an item at a discounted price, remember to compare the price of this item to identical or similar items on some other websites or online shops, so that you can get a “feel” of what the products cost.
Cash-on-delivery (“COD”) is the best way to pay when you have ordered an item online, because you get to see the goods before you pay.4 However, be warned that online shops may not allow you to open the package before you pay and some do not offer a COD option.
Abandon any purchases when no information is given on how much the shipping fees are. How will you know how much you’ll be charged? This information should be easy to get from an online store that is genuine.
This is one of the greatest fears of many South Africa Internet users – will the item ordered online get to my home on time? Only work with a reliable, well-known courier company, find out about their delivery timelines, and check their websites.
Try and get hold of online shopping reviews, which should tell you which websites are reputable, and so on.
Go for websites that are well organised, with all their items clearly categorized You will most likely leave the website in a hurry if you have to struggle to find what you are looking for.
Deal with only those websites that not only provide telephone assistance to online shoppers, but also provide an efficient and quick email service. If you are not sure about an online shop, contact the customer service section of the online shop, and make sure how they deliver, as well as finding out about their sales and refund policies.
Also, remember to read the fine print, as there may be hidden conditions you need to be aware of.
In order to avoid typing in the wrong address at any time, it is best to bookmark those addresses you have trusted the most. Check out each shopping site for good references from those who have already safely used them. You may find out from an online shopper that some online shops should be avoided because some of the items arrive without, for instance, a particular cable. It’s such a hassle to have to return the item. That is why it is also important to make sure of the return policy of a particular online shop, because you may also not like the product when it arrives. You then don’t want to find out that you can’t return it, and that you are now stuck with it. Some websites won’t refund your credit card, but will arrange for you to have credit with their store.
This means you need to look out for the “lock” in the URL address. In addition, look out for valid certificates and secure payment systems. When you arrive at the page where you have to transact with credit card details, and make payments, make sure the address starts off as https:// and not http://. The extra “s” means there is a security capability that scrambles your information while entering it. Basically, all information flowing between the website and your browser is encrypted. Be really careful which websites you visit.
Only use your credit card when making payments, and never your debit card. Debit cards are not protected by law in the same way that credit cards are. Make sure to check the credit card statements for any illegal transactions.9 Don’t use those websites that don’t request the three or four digit security code found on the back of your credit card. Does the website have a safe Visa Secure or Paypal mode?
Look out for any irregular transactions or incorrect charges made to your bank account.
Preferably use an email address that is dedicated to online shopping. The reason for this is that your personal email address may get clogged up with promotional material, or worse, may get seriously hacked.
As an online shopper, you must never keep any personal information, such as card or bank details on your computers, and never share such information when requested by websites.
The last thing you should not do is to go and do online shopping from some Internet café in a shopping mall, for instance. It is easier for cybercriminals to obtain your usernames and passwords in a public Wi-Fi setup. Don’t use computers at hotels to make any transactions.
The last thing you should not do is to go and do online shopping from some Internet café in a shopping mall, for instance. It is easier for cybercriminals to obtain your usernames and passwords in a public Wi-Fi setup. Don’t use computers at hotels to make any transactions.
Criminals are expert at creating websites that look just like the real ones, and will construct emails containing fake links. Be very suspicious of deals that look ridiculously good. Even online advertisements can take you to fraudulent websites, which, in turn, can infect your computer with malware. To avoid any problems, type in the email address yourself.
Do updates constantly – this may be a little frustrating, but at least they will protect you.
What you must avoid using is a simple password that can be easily hacked. Use rather an 8-digit password, with upper case letters, symbols and numbers being used together. This is exemplified by the fact that it would take a hacker about 10 minutes to crack a simple 6-letter password, but apparently 463 years to break into an 8-digit password.
Protect your computer with reputable antivirus software, such as from McAfee.
This is achieved using the OTP (one-time PIN). The two-factor authentication is when you require another type of authentication, besides the password. The OTP is usually received via SMS.
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Sources:
November 7, 2023
November 7, 2023
