The CCPC issue advise on how to avoid scams while online shopping during the holiday period
'If a consumer feels they may have been scammed, we encourage them to contact their local gardaí'
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have issued advice for avoiding scams while online shopping as it is coming up to the Christmas period.
When shopping online, the CCPC advises consumers to take precautions including:
Buyer beware: If a high-demand product is out of stock everywhere but available on an unfamiliar website or social media platform, research the company before buying – e.g., check online consumer forums and social media for consumer reviews. Be wary of being pressured to act quickly, for example through closing-down sales or one-time offers. And while price is important, don’t let it be the only deciding factor when buying online. A cheaper price doesn’t always mean a better deal and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Watch out for exclusively five-star reviews: Watch out for products or services with only positive reviews or exclusively five-star ratings. Products and services with authentic consumer reviews are more likely to have a mix of consumer feedback across the rating scale.
Check the website carefully: Just because a website has a .ie address does not mean it is an Irish-registered business. Reputable and legitimate companies will always list ways to get in touch with them, so if the website doesn’t have a ‘Contact us’ page including an email address, phone number and postal address, it could well be fraudulent.
Pay securely: Consider using online payment services to provide an extra layer of protection such as PayPal or a pre-pay credit card, to avoid disclosing your bank account details. Be alert to traders who offer a bank transfer facility or those who request you to pay by card over the telephone or to come into the store (sometimes a pop-up) to pay by cash. Try to only use websites with an ‘s’ after ‘http’ at the beginning of the url and a padlock symbol in your browser’s task bar, which shows the website is secure. Make sure to keep all records and details of your interactions with the trader in case an issue arises.
A spokesperson for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said: " If a consumer feels they may have been scammed, we encourage them to contact their local gardaí, as An Garda Síochána are the body responsible for pursuing scam operators."