How to protect yourself from online scams this holidays
Let’s first check if there are any red flags; let’s check if it’s legit, too.
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Daily TribuneLet’s first check if there are any red flags; let’s check if it’s legit, too.
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You may feel more generous than usual this holiday season. But fraudsters and scammers don't take a break, especially during this time of the year. Kimstore shared some tips to protect yourself from online scams.
"We will only feel the effect of the scam when we become victims, and the value of our loss comes out, whether the money was wasted, or the product is fake," Kimstore owner and CEO Kim Lato said during Daily Tribune's online show Gising Na! last Friday.
While banks, fintech companies and government agencies are complex at protecting consumers against scams, Lato said it wouldn't be such a bad idea to take extra precautions when making a transaction — whether online or offline- during the holidays or not.
Check red flags
Lato said that people should also have a sense of security among themselves to check any "red flags" before divulging information over the internet.
"Let's first check if there are any red flags; let's check if it's legit, too. Let us know in our social circles if anyone has bought this product from this website," she said.
"Sometimes it's not the best bargain because sometimes it's too good to be true (such as the) 50 percent off (and/or) 70 percent OFF," Lato mentioned, adding that any businessman will not sell or mark down such a low price.
Take financial literacy
Lato said young and old Filipino consumers should take digital literacy seriously now that online shopping is booming.
"It is still better that we take digital literacy seriously in such a way that if you're a private company or payment gateway, we must have a part (in) promoting digital literacy, young or old," Lato said.
She mentioned that even young shoppers are willing to give their personal information. Hence, they're sometimes scammed when they are just trying online shopping.
"So, we have to do our part, which is the digital literacy to detect scams and keep yourself and others' data secured," Lato added.
Only shop in trusted stores
Lato also urged the public to go for trusted sellers like Kimstore for online shopping.
She explained that these trusted sellers only sell "guaranteed authentic products together with popular platforms." Consumers may sometimes find them on Lazada and Shopee.
"Aside from the affordability, but of course, we give value to our customers and then our products are also reliable, customer service aftermarket service, and the most important thing people cannot buy is our peace of mind," Lato said.
Stay alert
Meanwhile, Kimstore mentioned on its website that real companies will not call, text, email, chat or send a message to you to ask for your account information.
Kimstore also urged consumers to keep their eyes open and not believe everything they hear.
"Do not give your email address, mobile number, passwords, Card Verification Value, the 3-digit code found at the back of your card, and other confidential information," Kimstore said.
Takeaways
Lato said that online is all about convenience, and consumers may get their products the next day or two days from now with just one click.
"With the amount of things we do, we prefer to save our time for more important things to do, so today's consumers, at least during the pandemic, have one online experience there," Lato said.
She added that online shopping is more enjoyable because of the convenience, and the price can be lowered online because of less overhead.
