Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens doors for scammers. Cybercriminals set up fake e-commerce sites, send fraudulent payment requests, and use phishing to steal your card details. Knowing how to pay safely online can save you from financial loss.
⚠ Why It Matters:
A single mistake in payment security can lead to stolen funds, identity theft, or long-term credit damage.
💳 Safe Payment Practices
- Only shop on **trusted websites** with HTTPS (look for the 🔒 icon in the browser).
- Use **credit cards or secure payment platforms** like PayPal instead of direct bank transfers.
- Enable **transaction alerts** on your bank account or mobile money service.
- Keep **receipts and confirmation emails** for all transactions.
- Use **two-factor authentication (2FA)** for online banking and payment apps.
🚫 Common E-Commerce Scam Tactics
- Fake online stores selling non-existent products.
- Phishing emails pretending to be from well-known marketplaces.
- Social media ads linking to fraudulent websites.
- QR code payment scams directing funds to scammers.
📌 Tip:
Before making a payment, search for the seller’s name + “scam” or “review” online to check their legitimacy.