Buying online has become part of life; you undoubtedly have or know someone who buys a lot of stuff on online sites such as CityPlus. People love online shopping for its convenience and ease. However, there are risks associated with buying online: scammers take advantage of you if you are not careful enough to detect their traps.
So since online shopping comes with its fair share of dangers, you have to take precautions before buying online. In most online fraud cases, it is the seller stealing from the buyer. A marketplace is just a site where all sorts of people come to buy or sell, and the site’s managers may not be able to separate scammers from genuine sellers or buyers.
Therefore, while a marketplace like CityPlus may put the best buyer-seller protection mechanism in place, the onus still largely falls on you to be extra vigilant. So these are the ways you can protect yourself from falling for a scam when buying online:
- Double-Check The Identity of the Seller
When buying on an online marketplace such as CityPlus, take the time to identify the seller. Before committing to paying, verify if this is a genuine seller by asking as many questions as possible about the product or service, terms of payment, delivery, etc. You may detect red flags the more you ask questions. If the seller makes strange requests or is reluctant to answer basic questions like where he stays or asks for a deposit before delivering, you better be alarmed.
Some marketplaces require every user to create a profile. Check the seller’s profile before closing a deal. Read the past customer feedback on the seller.
- Meet The Seller In-Person If Possible
If you are buying an expensive, fragile, or perishable product online, it is always best you arrange to meet the seller in person before completing the transaction. You get the opportunity to inspect the product, so it isn’t easy to be duped. You can refuse to pay if the product is damaged, substandard, or doesn’t match the photos and description on the website.
When meeting, insist on a public venue and let a family member or friend know where you are going or whom you are to meet.
- Buy On a Trusted Marketplace That Cares About You
Do not be part of any online marketplace that doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Many fake online stores pop up every day where buyers are virtually on their own. Check if the site has a buyer-seller protection policy in place. At CityPlus, we care about both the seller and the buyer. We take every practical safety step possible to ensure our marketplace is the best place to sell or buy a product or service.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi When Shopping Online.
Free public Wi-Fi can turn out to be very expensive. Cybercriminals usually hide behind public networks from where they can intercept your online activities. Some set up rogue hotspots for an unsuspecting user to connect to. Do not shop or bank online when using public Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
Once you learn how to protect yourself when shopping online, you are now ready to start buying. CityPlus is one marketplace you can start browsing to get hot deals on whatever product or service you need.
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