How To Stay Safe And Shop Smart!

With online shopping scams on the rise, here’s how to stay safe and shop smart.

- Priscilla Kham

In 2015, there were 2,173 cases of cheating involving e-commerce, according to Singapore Police Force (SPF). That’s 30.5 per cent higher than in 2014. With the rise of e-marketplaces via websites and apps, online shopping hasn’t waned. Here’s how to deal with scams and other scenarios that could arise.

YOUR ITEM NEVER ARRIVED

It’s been weeks since you ordered and paid for your item, but there’s still no sign of it. “Contact the seller immediately if you do not receive your package after the promised delivery date,” says Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

“Keep clear documentation of the order and payment process, such as e-mails, SMS alerts or even screenshots of the payment made to facilitate dispute resolution,” says Seng Choon. He also advises using a postal service that offers parcel tracking, especially if you are buying a high-value item.

The SPF says you should buy only from reputable online sellers and check that the site is physically located where it claims to be. You should also check the seller’s track record with its previous customers.

GOODS LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE DESCRIPTION OR PICTURES

Sometimes, the item you receive may look drastically different from what was advertised online. Protect yourself from such a situation by checking the site’s refund or exchange policy before you buy.

“Most e-commerce platforms have terms and conditions for refund or exchange of goods, such as the consumer having to report the incident within a certain number of days, together with clear documentation and pictures of the item,” says Seng Choon.

THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR ITEM