Many Kenyan shoppers buying on online marketplaces such as CityPlus say it is quick and convenient. They shop when they want, even in the middle of the night, it is easy to compare prices, negotiate, and in many cases the purchases can be delivered to their front doors or nearest bus stage.
Buying online is the opposite of queuing in supermarkets after struggling to find space in the parking lot. All an online shopper does is visit an online store or marketplace, choose product, then click “order” or “buy”. But how safe is buying online?
Let’s see what makes buying online unsafe.
- Fraudsters.
Fraud was the most common cybercrime in half the states in the US in 2019. Yes, there are cybercriminals. You have heard of stories of online fraudsters. You can meet them even on CityPlus. Some are mere conmen who promise what they can’t deliver. Once you pay, they switch off. If they do deliver the product, it is not exactly the quality they claimed they have.
2. Hackers
Hackers come in many forms, but they are basically after your personal details, such as account passwords to access those accounts and possibly transfer your money or learn some private information about you. A hacker can access your private photos, chats, or conversations and hold them at ransom, or expose them to the public to embarrass or incriminate you.
The hacking process can start with you clicking a random link not knowing it is bait. Soon, the scammers will have access to your personal data (birthday, bank accounts, etc.) and use it to steal your identity.
How to Buy Safely Online In Kenya
So, what security checks should you put in place before buying anything online in Kenya or anywhere else?
We have sampled the following steps you can take:
- Buy From Familiar Marketplaces
It would be best if you only bought from familiar brands or marketplaces in Kenya. Ensure it is the right site because cybercriminals can set up fake e-commerce sites that resemble a popular one. Check the spellings. One authentic e-commerce site you can buy from in Kenya is CityPlus.
2. Only Provide The Necessary Information
Do not give out more information than is safe to complete a purchase. Note the kinds of questions you are being asked and how they relate to the purchase.
3. Log Off After The Online Interaction
If you are using a public computer or share one with others, always log off after interacting with an online seller on CityPlus. The enemy couldn’t be the seller, but other neighbourhood people with access to the computer.
4. Search Thoroughly If It Is a New Ecommerce
If you encounter a new e-commerce like CityPlus you are unfamiliar with, research it carefully. See if the contacts provided are active (email, phone number, or address). It would help if you also learned more about the site’s return policy. Feedback history by past customers can also guide you.
Conclusion
At CityPlus, we aim to be the most reliable e-commerce or marketplace in Kenya. We want to take buying online to a whole new level that most buyers will find more convenient and easy. CityPlus is safe for you when shopping online, but you need to practise the safety tips we have outlined to be safer.
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