Everyone gets stung at some point. Some more than others. And for some, it does much more damage. How can you protect yourself whilst shopping online? Here are some tips and some stories that help build the picture.

I have recently been stung twice in a matter of weeks. Before I tell you this, I have shopped online for 15 years. One of those people who said who cares, this is cool, all those years ago. In that 15 years I have been stung 4 times. Guess what! All 4 have been in the last two years. I have made over 400 transactions on eBay alone. So I would consider myself to be an “experienced” online shopper.


If you’re shopping online, look for clear signs that you are buying from a reputable company:

  • Do they have a real-world presence? Can you see their address and phone number?
  • Is their website secure? Look for ‘https://’ and the padlock that should be present on the page you are using when you are giving any payment details (credit card), or personal information
  • Do they have clear privacy and returns policies?
  • If you’re not convinced, search for the company on the internet and check their reputation. Call them. Trust your common sense and if necessary buy elsewhere.

If you’re using an online auction site, such as eBay, a few simple steps can make things safer:

  • Before you start, understand the auction process, the site rules and the auction company’s own safety advice.
  • Get to know the buyer or seller. Ask questions. Check their feedback.
  • Learn to pick good sellers. Their items have clear descriptions and they will answer your questions.
  • Don’t give away your password or personal details.

When it comes to handing over your money, choose a safe way to pay such as PayPal or a credit/debit card.

Conmen are very good at persuading you to do what they want. Learn to spot the telltale signs of social engineering:

  • They will promise huge rewards: lottery wins, lost inheritances etc.
  • A false sense of urgency.
  • Odd, superfluous details.
  • Requests for upfront payments or private information.

Keep your guard up and use your common sense. It’s your money so if you get a bad vibe, walk away. Don’t be rushed into anything. Talk to someone you trust before making any big decisions. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

thief pc How To Stay Safe When Buying Online [TIPS]

I got ripped off on a MicroSD card.

Anyway, the first thing that happened me was on eBay. I was in the market for a MicroSD card for my HTC Hero. I wanted a 16gb card and some guy called lflnshao99 was selling them for an amazing €16. I thought, WOW!!! Get me some. Before I click in though, I thought that was very cheap. So looked around to make sure this was the going price and found 3 more people selling them a 1 or 2 euro dearer. And then some that were €40. What I didn’t know is the ones all around the same price were from the same guy who had several trade names. Its now in under review with Paypal. I actually didn’t know I was ripped off till eBay contacted me.

So, what can be learned from this?

First, I was stupid. Lets face it! A 16gb MicroSD card for €16. I was an idiot to not have noticed and to be so impulsive. But there is a silver lining to my actions. You see where I went right? I bought off of eBay and paid with Paypal. They are now trying to resolve the issue for me and contacting the seller on my behalf. This is so worth the charges the Paypal get.

Lesson one: Always buy from a known store like eBay, Amazon, Pixmania, Komplett, etc. These stores generally have decent policies in place, although, they are not all perfect. However, by best online experiences have been with Komplett.ie

Lesson two: Whenever possible, use Paypal to pay for your items. This is so you don’t have to hand over your credit card details to a company you only just met. After the first transaction with them is to your liking, then you might trust them with your details.

cardthief2 How To Stay Safe When Buying Online [TIPS]My credit card details were sold!!

This brings me to the credit card fraud I have experienced. A company charged my card under the name TRYCLICKING0800 on the 21st Dec for €1.41. Then on the 26th Dec for €93. I never heard of them. I called my credit card company and they blocked my card and investigated it. The company claimed that made the purchases but are happy to refund me. The details are too long winded and I don’t want to bore you. My credit card company felt, oh thats all OK then and could not understand why I was still unhappy.

What purchases? How did they get my details? None of this seemed to matter. Guess what happened next? They tried again on the 10 January.

Lesson one: Don’t allow your credit card company, in my case MBNA dictate to you. I was told that its all OK now and be on my way. I demanded a new credit card number and my old one destroyed. Come on, I had to ask for this?

Lesson two: Keep records of every email from any company you give your credit card details to. One of those companies sold or misused my details.

Other tips:

Some times you need to want to buy from a lesser known company. Before you click the “Add to cart” button, quickly Google their name for shopping experiences. If they have a forum, have a quick read over and see what other people say. Bear in mind, generally only people who have a complaint will be posting this information so it isn’t true reflection. However, if there are many posts/hits generally saying the same thing, then its a sign.


Later in the week I will write something on what you can do if you are ripped off.

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