Safe Online Shopping In South Africa
1.
Use Trusted Websites and Platforms
Shop only from well-known retailers or verified online marketplaces.
Look for secure websites: check that the URL starts with "https://" and has a padlock icon.
Avoid deals that seem too good to be true; unusually low prices can indicate scams.
2.
Protect Your Personal and Financial Information
Never share sensitive information like your password, PIN, or full banking details via email or chat.
Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
3.
Payment Safety
Use secure payment methods: credit cards, secure payment gateways (PayPal, SnapScan, Zapper), or bank EFT with trusted merchants.
Avoid paying via direct bank transfer to unknown sellers or cash payments.
Keep payment confirmations and receipts for all transactions.
4.
Verify Sellers and Products
Check reviews and ratings from other buyers.
Confirm the seller’s contact details, including phone number, physical address, and email.
Research the product: compare prices on multiple platforms to ensure legitimacy.
5.
Quick Safety Checklist
Use secure websites (https and padlock icon).
Verify sellers and read reviews.
Use safe payment methods and keep receipts.
Avoid public Wi-Fi or unsecured devices.
Monitor bank statements for unusual activity.
Understand return policies and keep proof of purchase.