Think Before You Pay: How to Avoid Being Scammed While Shopping Online

Online shopping has become a convenient way to buy goods and services without leaving home. From clothes and electronics to food and household items, many people now rely on social media pages, websites, and mobile apps to shop.

However, this convenience has also created opportunities for scammers to deceive buyers and steal money. Understanding what scamming is and how it occurs in online shopping is the first step to staying safe.

Scamming is the act of deliberately deceiving someone to gain money, personal information, or other benefits.

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Scammers use lies, fake identities, and false promises to trick victims into trusting them. In most cases, the victim realises they have been scammed only after money has been taken or goods fail to arrive.

Online scamming refers to any form of fraud carried out through the internet or digital platforms. This includes social media, websites, emails, mobile apps, and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram. Online scammers often hide behind fake profiles, stolen images, or cloned websites to appear legitimate.

Online shopping is the process of buying goods or services over the internet without physically visiting a shop. Payments are usually made through mobile money, bank transfers, debit cards, or online payment platforms.

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While online shopping saves time and offers convenience, it requires a high level of caution because buyers and sellers rarely meet in person.

Online shopping scams often involve:

• Fake online shops or social media pages

• Sellers who demand full payment before delivery and disappear

• Counterfeit or substandard products different from what was advertised

• Requests for payment through untraceable channels

• Urgent pressure to “pay now” to secure a deal

• Scammers rely on attractive prices and emotional pressure to rush buyers into making quick decisions.

Here is how to avoid being scammed while shopping online

Always shop from well-known platforms or sellers with verifiable contact details, reviews, and physical locations. Be cautious of newly created pages with no history or customer feedback.

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Extremely low prices are a common bait used by scammers. If a product is far cheaper than the market price, pause and question why. Cheap deals often come with hidden risks.

Scammers create urgency by saying an item is “almost sold out” or that a discount will expire soon. Take your time to verify the seller before making any payment.

Where possible, use payment methods that offer transaction records and buyer protection. Avoid paying through suspicious links or sending money to personal accounts without verification.

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Search for reviews on the seller or product outside the platform. If other buyers report scams or non-delivery, take it as a warning sign.

Do not share your ATM details, PINs, one-time passwords, or card numbers. A genuine seller does not need this information to complete a sale.

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Reliable online sellers clearly state delivery timelines, return policies, and refund processes. If this information is missing or vague, it is safer not to proceed.

If you fall victim to an online shopping scam:

• Report the transaction immediately to your bank or mobile money provider.

• Save all evidence, including chats, receipts, and account details.

• Report the seller to the platform usedInform the police or relevant cybercrime authorities.
  Early reporting increases the chances of recovering funds and preventing others from being scammed.

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Online shopping can be safe and convenient when done carefully. By understanding how online shopping scams work and staying alert, buyers can protect their money and avoid unnecessary losses.

Caution, patience, and verification remain the strongest tools against online shopping fraud.