10 Quick Online Shopping Tips that’ll Keep You Safe in Kenya

The uptake of e-commerce in Kenya has been massive and admirable with most companies recording double digit growth and hyper-sales even in their first year of operation – but online shopping for some people is still something they mull over.

Most retailers and brands have moved to establish virtual shops on some E-commerce company websites to bridge the gap between offline and online and maximize on sales.

But as the popularity of online shopping increases, so do the risks. Lots of people and hackers are trying to scam you out of your money or steal your card details. Thankfully, if you follow a few simple rules you can have a safe and secure online shopping experience.

Here are 10 tips to help you.

• Use the best anti-malware program on your computer

Make sure you are using the best anti-malware program and its virus signatures are constantly updated. Also, ensure your firewall is on when using a public wireless network and your own wireless network is encrypted with a password to prevent anyone outside from collecting information.

• Shop from online merchants with a good reputation

Ensure you know the online store’s physical address and you can walk into their office if there is a problem to be sorted.

If you have friends who have purchased from the site before, you can be reassured by their trust too.

If the store is new, or not reputable conduct your own research by looking at the site’s reviews, customer complaints on social media pages also, ask around. If no one knows about it, don’t use it.

• Avoid clicking on links from spam emails to make purchases

It’s a bad idea to click on an email sent to you from someone you don’t know and shop on its landing page. Ensure you know the retailer’s website and key in the search words for yourself.

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• Create a unique/strong password for online account

You will be required to create an account with the site you intend to purchase from. Make sure the password is strong and unique, passwords like 1234 or those that start with a short form of your name like Ken1234 should be avoided.

• Avoid ‘Extremely good offers’

If a store offers too good deals like extremely low prices, be suspicious. During mega sales/flash sales, most Ecommerce sites will offer ‘incredible’ discounts but just for limited quantity of products and time.

Also look for discount coupon codes that can significantly lower your purchasing price.

• Don’t give too much information

After opening an account with an e-commerce company, expect to give the same information in future purchases e.g. telephone number, email address, shipping address, method of payment.

If asked for suspicious information like bank account details, driver’s license numbers, spouse or family information. Run!!!!

• Check the company’s shipping, warranty and return policy

Ensure the shipping fee charged is reasonable for the product you buy and the distance. The return and exchange policy should be flexible with a time limit of at least 7 days. Be sure that the warranty policy is sensible and applicable.

• Use a reputable method of payment to pay for products

Some E-commerce sites will offer cash on delivery payment method within certain geographical location, if you are beyond those regions, use payment methods that provide you proof of payment like mobile money transfer, PayPal, credit cards, etc.

Credit card vs Debit card– a credit card will have a spending limit while your debit card –linked to your bank account does not. If your credit card financial information is stolen, your money at the bank remains untouched- most debit cards do not offer this advantage.

• Print or save a copy of your orders

It’s advisable to keep a documentation of your online purchases. You will receive a confirmation email with the order number. Print, take a screenshot and save till you receive the product. Follow up if the item is not shipped within 10 days without prior communication.

• Download shopping apps created by trusted developers

Many of the big online retailers in Kenya have created apps that allow you to shop conveniently and compare prices, read reviews on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure you download the legitimate app and have a mobile anti-malware for viruses and spyware