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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Nice and wise

Nice and wise

Online holiday shopping musts

Published Dec 4, 2024 09:36 am
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It’s amazing how we can accomplish most of our to-dos digitally, especially during the holiday season. With just one click, we can book restaurants or suppliers, order holiday cards, plan trips, and even complete our holiday shopping. 

However, that click that can promise a lot of convenience can also invite a lot of trouble. A single transaction can lead us to messages, links, and pages that put us at risk of becoming victims of phishing scams, bogus buyers, or low-quality products. The convenience can bring in, yes, inconvenience and can negatively impact our trust in online shopping. 

But with an ounce of caution and bit more research, we can make wise decisions in our digital purchases. Here are some tips to remember as you enjoy getting the gifts you and your loved ones deserve this holiday season: 

  • Get to know your seller. Whether you are shopping online from a big mall brand or an entrepreneur, you must do your research. Understand polices for exchange or returns (including items on discount), delivery, and number of turnaround days for pre-ordered products. Reviews are helpful to help you gauge a product, and get feedback on customer service, delivery, and the entire buyer experience. Start-up and small businesses highlight client feedback on their social media pages to feature best-sellers, in case you are just getting to know the brand. Beware of spoofing scams or websites that appear legitimate but have a different address from the store you really want to buy something from. Watch out for spelling errors or too-good-to-be-true offers as these could be signs that the website is fraudulent.

     
  • Secure your checkouts. “Secure checkouts typically include a trusted payment gateway… to help protect payment information, validate transactions, and avoid potential fraud,” says PayPal.com on its website. The virtual currency provider lists verified payment methods, third-party trust seals or certifications, and transparent contract information for customer support and returns as some ways secure checkouts can be identified. Never fall for phone calls asking you for the passwords of your online bank accounts or e-wallets. Do not fall for callers who require you to give personal data or click on links you receive via text messages. 

     
  • Connections, connections. Do not access your online banking apps and other apps that require you to enter passwords or do financial transactions via unsecured Wi-Fi connections. Encrypted wireless networks are highly recommended since these prevent others from accessing your personal data. And speaking of passwords, avoid having one password for all your accounts and apps. If strangers can penetrate one social media account, for example, it will be easy for them to access your other accounts and apps, too. 

     
  • Authenticity is key. Purchasing designer items, branded shoes, and even the popular plush toys and bag charms these days have led to heartbreak for some online shoppers who received fake items after spending their hard-earned money. Do not rush any transaction just because the price or offer is too good. Bogus sellers pressure buyers so they do not have time to check what they are about to buy. Do your research on how to check for the authenticity of an item. Look at the brand’s website to compare the real thing over what is being offered. Ask for a receipt of purchase or the serial number of a bag, for example, so can you check if it’s authentic.

Be nice. Sellers, riders, and mall personnel are all trying to make a living or extra income through the businesses you support. Be nice when you ask for more details or photos about an item. Be nice when you ask for a discount. Talk to riders politely, including ones who tell you they have arrived at your place but are still 10 minutes away, or ask what item you will be sending even if you have reflected it in the app already. It could be challenging to smile as you go through the holiday rush. Just keep in mind that we’re celebrating all that’s merry and bright, after all.

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