Online shopping gone wrong? How to spot red flags before you check out

Online shopping scams continue to run rampant, prompting consumers to be extra cautious and do their research before making any purchases.

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler shared a recent case involving a company that has a pattern of broken delivery promises, substandard products, and poor communication.

Further investigation led to a conversation with payment merchant Pay Now, which discovered it did not conduct thorough due diligence on the company before onboarding.

She encouraged consumers to research the company’s reputation, check for physical contact details, and be wary of red flags such as poor communication and a lack of transparency.

“If you don't see full contact details, that's a red flag. That's a sign that they're not taking their business seriously.

“If you see a pattern of complaints, particularly when the problem is compounded by lack of communication, that's a double whammy,” said Knowler.

Knowler stressed the need for consumers to be vigilant and take advantage of consumer protection laws, such as the Electronic Transactions and Communications Act, which allows for a seven-day return period.

She also recommends checking reviews on platforms like Hello Peter and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.

She emphasised the importance of protecting oneself from potential scams, especially with unfamiliar retailers.

"If you're choosing to do business with an online retailer that you have no track record with, then you really need to spend some time protecting yourself.”

To listen to Knowler in conversation with Kgomotso Modise (in for 702’s Relebogile Mabotja), use the audio player below: