Help topics Secure payment on the Internet
Online shopping is prevalent in this day and age, giving us the opportunity to shop from the comfort of our homes. However, paying online also comes with risks, especially when it comes to the security of your payment details. It's important to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft to maintain your privacy. Here are some tips on how to pay securely on the Internet.
Our tips for safe shopping on the Internet
Seriousness
Are the contact details or the terms and conditions of business and return specific and plausible? Are there any noticeable spelling mistakes?
Policies
Read the terms and conditions and/or contract carefully. Check whether the seller refers to the legal right of withdrawal in its terms and conditions.
Note: It is best to clarify any ambiguities with the provider by phone or e-mail before completing the purchase. So you can also test the seriousness of the online shop right away.
Prices
Check unrealistic prices carefully – beware of possible product counterfeits. If you are not sure, compare the prices on the Internet or the value of the goods in a regular store. Often there are several models of a product, which differ significantly in price (mainly with suppliers from the Far East) or check the currency of the prices given. Pay attention to the shipping or any customs costs as well as a possible import VAT (shown in the invoice under "VAT" Value Added Tax).
Delivery
Especially for orders outside Europe, you have to be prepared for long delivery times. Check or clarify these directly with the dealer
Complaint, Warranty, Refund
The conditions for this should be carefully checked before completing the purchase.
Phishing
Here, the data is tapped via fake e-mails, which can seem deceptively real to you, and are usually even personalized. Never share personal information such as passwords or credit card details with anyone. No bank or reputable company will ever ask for confidential information from you via a link.
Information on current phishing waves can be found at: https://www.watchlist-internet.at/
In review portals such as "Trustpilot" or "Ekomi", users exchange their experiences and warn against dubious traders.
What is a scam shop and how can one be recognised?
In this video, you will learn what scam shops (so-called fake shops) are, what characteristics they have and, above all, how you can recognize them.
Disclaimer: The above information on security risks when paying online is for information purposes only. Despite careful selection of the information or sources of information used, no liability can be assumed for the accuracy, completeness or topicality. Due to the rapid technological developments, the emergence of new, previously unknown threats and opportunities for abuse must also be expected again and again. Therefore, please inform yourself regularly about current developments and threats as well as new security recommendations, for example in the daily media
