Although the online world has almost no secrets for young people, dangers still lurk. How do you recognize a safe webshop and how do you prevent yourself from being scammed? That is where Shopmatey comes in handy as an online shopping assistant. Aside from that, with this checklist, your child can shop safely and securely online.

1. Is the name of the webshop correct?

A well-known name does not always say something. So check carefully whether it is really about the store that you have in mind, or whether you are dealing with a copycat. You can recognize these by:

• Scammers often use a web address (URL) containing the name of a real web store.
• Also, a web address often has additions such as discounts, promotions, deals, or sales.
• In addition to these characteristics, scammers often adopt the corporate identity and logos of existing organizations.
• Another good reason to check the address bar: fake webshops often do not have an encrypted connection (HTTPS) with a green bar or lock. So pay attention to this.

2. Reviews, reviews, and reviews

Reviews usually speak the truth and we are talking about the reviews on independent websites. So do not blindly rely on the reviews of the webshop itself. View reviews on google or looks at trustpilot.nl. This is an independent website that assesses webshops based on real customer experiences. Does a webshop have a low rating and a lot of bad reviews? Usually, this is not for nothing.

3. Check the quality mark

Reliable web shops are usually affiliated with well-known quality marks. Unfortunately, these quality marks are sometimes falsified. Therefore, always check the website of these quality marks to see if the webshop is affiliated with this quality mark. This way you immediately know whether a quality mark has been falsified or lawfully obtained.

4. View the payment options

Nowadays you have a huge choice of payment options. Pay in advance, pay afterward, it’s all possible. However, fake webshops often only offer one way to pay, and usually, this must also be done before you receive your purchase. If you do not see an opportunity to pay (part of) afterward, this may be a red flag.

Did you know that webshops are legally obliged to offer postpay, for example via accept giro or AfterPay?

 

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5. Whether or not to return for free? Check the return policy

You’ve finally found that one dress, but what if it doesn’t fit? At most webshops, an order can simply be exchanged. Beautiful! But beware. Sometimes the costs of returning have to be paid yourself and you get a voucher instead of money back.

6. Use a secure connection

When shopping online, you don’t think so quickly of viruses and phishing. Nevertheless, webshops are sometimes used to access your data. What can you do yourself?

• It is therefore important to secure your computer or phone and your internet connection.
• Update your phone’s or computer’s operating system regularly so that unsafe websites can be blocked promptly.
• Also pay attention to a public Wi-Fi connection, because these are not always secure because the data traffic is sometimes not encrypted. Therefore, make sure you have a secure WPA(2) Wi-Fi connection. Better safe than sorry!

7. Use common sense

When something is too good to be true, it usually is. Maybe an open door but try to think logically. Do you see expensive designer clothes for a few euros? Then you are probably dealing with a fake webshop or fake items. Does the layout of the website look a bit weird or do you see a lot of spelling mistakes? This may be a red flag. Keep your eyes peeled for things that stand out. Usually, this is a sign that something is not right.