Be careful when shopping online: How to avoid scammers!

Be careful when shopping online: How to avoid scammers!

The millions of bargain hunters should be particularly careful during the current Black Week. The coveted online shopping week started on November 28th, with numerous offers on electronics, clothing and household appliances. But the Lower Saxony police warn urgently about fraudulent fake shops that unscrupulously exploit the run-up to Christmas. These online traps often look deceptively real and promise tempting products at unbeatable prices. But the reality is often sobering: fraudsters not only copy product descriptions, but also use the names of well-known brands to inspire trust. Buyers risk not receiving any goods or even receiving inferior counterfeits. Over 1,600 online fraud cases have already been registered in Lower Saxony in 2024, and the trend is upwards.

In order not to fall for the crooks' tricks, the police advise checking offers carefully and not rushing. Pay particular attention to websites with incomplete imprints or poor grammar. And offers that sound too good should also make you skeptical - they are often too fast, too cheap or simply too perfect to be true. According to Polizei Sachsen, buyers should pay attention to whether complete information can be found in the legal notice and whether a valid data protection declaration is available. It is also advisable to carefully check the sender of emails from well-known shops, as fake messages are also circulating here.

How to shop online safely

Online shopping is convenient and offers a welcome alternative to crowds in stores at Christmas time. However, there are some simple steps you can take to shop safely. The Konsumerzentrale recommends avoiding spontaneous purchases and comparing prices and products. Before making a purchase, buyers should always consider the benefits of secure payment methods such as purchase on account. Only when you are sure that you are on the genuine website of a provider can the shopping fun begin.

If fraud does occur, quick action is required. Buyers should secure evidence of the online purchase, such as order confirmations or invoices. It is then important to inform the bank so that the payment can be reversed if necessary. The opportunity to file a police report should also not be ignored. This can also be done conveniently online. And very important: Anyone who has encountered fraudsters should contact their payment provider's fraud hotline immediately.

A look at the pitfalls of online trading

The sharp increase in online commerce, which amounted to over 88 billion euros in Germany in 2024, brings not only advantages but also challenges. While the majority of online shops operate reputably, the number of fake shops is increasing worryingly. Experts report that popular products are often advertised as “available for immediate delivery” even though they have long been sold out in other stores. Scammers use this scam to deceive buyers and drain their accounts.

The police and consumer advocates advise you to be well informed before shopping and to always be vigilant. Especially in the hectic pre-Christmas period, it is important to approach things with a critical eye and not be led by bargain airs. So nothing stands in the way of safe online shopping during this special time.