Home ›› 25 Jul 2021 ›› Front
Deception in online retailing is nothing new in Bangladesh and the issue came forward as recently some private banks banned transaction through credit or debit cards with at least 10 e-commerce entities.
As online-based marketing sites are mushrooming in Bangladesh amid the pandemic, shoppers often get puzzled over credibility of the sites.
Remaining vigilant over some issues can save one from deception. The BBC Bangla Service compiled some tips to avoid deception from experts on online marketing and information technology.
How to identify verified websites
Fraud groups often create verbatim copy of a popular e-commerce site, sometimes they bring little changes in spelling or designs.
So, one must be very careful about spelling and design while logging on one’s expected websites as established sites do not change their design or logo abruptly.
Besides, if the latter ‘s’ remains absent after ‘http’ on the site’s URL then it would be avoided. Cyber security expert Afifa Abbas said, “You can verify the genuine website in two ways, firstly the original website must begin with https and it will have a complete domain name like there will be name after (www.) and end with dotcom like (.com). Secondly the website will not open with any random number.
Review sites and their address
Online shoppers are suggested to go through the reviews of the site and their products before placing an order. Sometimes fake reviews can be found. Online marketing expert Shayantani Twisha suggested keeping eyes on two things — whether most of the reviews on those sites were new or were those reviews from fake account. One should try to get idea of such service providers who have more reviews. Physical address and phone number of such entities should also be verified.
Exorbitant discount and fancy ads
Alluring shoppers with fancy ads is big tool to deceive globally. Besides, unusual price discounts, cashback offer are also given.
These types of offers pursue customers to order frequently without thinking much. So, one must be very careful before placing an order.
Page’s age
Most cases of deception are linked with various Facebook pages which are new. So, one must verify the authenticity of the page before placing order and check whether the page arranges any live video review of their products. If reactions to the boosted posts and usual posts vary unusually on such pages, the shopper needs to be careful.
Verification of the products
While ordering a product one must check the detailed description and ask for the weight and measurement of the product. If required, consult with page admins on messenger and ask the real photograph of the product. At last, check if the institutions have any return and refund policy, and verify if it is customer friendly.
Advance payment
Advance payment is a big tool of online deception. So, one should not go for advance payment if they are not convinced over credibility of the e-commerce entity.
The best way is purchasing on cash on delivery system so that one can make payment after it comes to their hands. Besides it would not be wise to click any alluring offer on Facebook, pop up page or emails.
