I admit I am getting sucked in to online shopping, and I suppose for many, it started during the Covid-19 outbreak, where it was considered safer health-wise to buy online than risk going out to buy stuff, and indeed, we weren’t allowed out much anyway. Food buying was probably the first thing that became easier, although some got conned occasionally with that, where produce would reputedly turn up out of date (or close to it) or more expensive alternatives were sent when your favourite brand was unavailable.

We are seeing the arrival of a multitude of shopping apps, food delivery apps and even services apps on our smart phones and digital devices now, making shopping online so easy, and this is replacing the traditional way we would shop. No more traipsing round the shops when you can do it online from your sofa!

Fakes

Buying clothes and household items is fast catching on, but as they say – buyer beware. Fakes are everywhere, and things are not always as they seem. Perhaps we look at reviews from other shoppers for advice before hitting the ‘buy’ button: what did they think? Was it value for money? Was the fabric as good as it looked? Was that book a good read for the money? But those that review items could well be fake too, and perhaps someone somewhere is fabricating fake reviews - or even created by ‘bots’ these days - and it’s not unknown that competitors might be posting stuff to disparage the item you might be interested in.

Credits: TPN;

Malware and Data Theft

Fake shopping apps are real dangers that could transmit malicious software (malware) onto your computer or mobile device. There is a risk regardless of what activities you do online, as malware can infect your operating system through on-line shopping – it could simply degrade the performance of your device, or worse, it could be collecting personal information, passwords, logging keystrokes, or other strategies to steal your data.

With the convenience of online shopping comes an increased risk for cyberattack and fraud. It is important to maintain your digital privacy and security when shopping online, and by taking the right steps, you can significantly reduce the risks. The more you look into it, the riskier it becomes, and when you transmit sensitive information such as your address, credit card numbers, full legal name and more, were that company suffer a breach, this information can be stolen and resold on the Dark Web. In turn, this information can then be used against you in a phishing scheme.

Size does matter

I think a lot of us have seen instances where a customer has been fooled by not taking close attention to sizing – for instance, buying a sofa that would be more suitable in a dolls’ house for instance, or perhaps being taken for a ride where the price so cheap, and being quoted with ‘this bargain price will expire in 10 minutes’, ‘buy now, stocks are moving fast’, or ‘this product is close to only 3 remaining, so get your order in now’ - so don’t be press-ganged into making a hasty purchase, you might not even be able to return it if you haven’t read the small print.

When is a bargain not a bargain?
When you aren’t a savvy shopper would be my answer. Let me tell you of my experience, rather embarrassing really.

I recently changed the colour scheme in my living room, and had bought curtains and cushion covers locally. I was browsing an on-line company and stumbled on a really pretty table-lamp, the colours of which would have gone with my décor beautifully and the size was just right for the spot that needed illuminating. I was sucked in - yes, yes sir, it was just what I wanted, and the price was so cheap, I just have to have it! What I didn’t see until later was further along in the small print, the statement - ‘2-D’ so it turns out I am eagerly awaiting a PICTURE of a table lamp. Somewhere the real thing lurks, but sadly it won’t be in my living room!

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan