Safe Online Shopping

Practical steps for shopping online safely, from recognising fake websites to choosing safe payment methods and handling returns.

Online shopping offers convenience and choice, and it can be especially useful for people who find travelling to shops difficult, including many blind and disabled people. But it also carries risks. A few habits make it much safer.

Recognising genuine sellers

Use well-known websites and apps, or check reviews of unfamiliar sellers.
Check the web address: fake sites may use slightly misspelled names.
Beware of prices that seem too good to be true, especially on social media ads.
Look for contact details and a clear returns policy.

Paying safely

Credit cards and reputable payment methods often offer better protection against fraud than bank transfers.
UPI payments are fast but hard to reverse, so use them only with trusted sellers.
Cash on delivery, common in India, lets you pay after receiving the item, reducing risk with unfamiliar sellers.
Never share OTPs or PINs with anyone claiming to be from a shop or delivery company.

Protecting your data

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Avoid saving card details on unfamiliar websites.
Be cautious on public Wi-Fi.

Returns and complaints

Check return and refund policies before buying. If a product is faulty or not as described, contact the seller first. In India, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, require online platforms to display seller details, return policies and grievance officer contacts. Unresolved complaints can go to the National Consumer Helpline.

The fake sale advertisement

A social media ad offers branded headphones at 80 percent off. The website looks professional but was created weeks ago and has no contact details. A shopper who searches for reviews finds complaints that orders never arrived. Choosing a trusted marketplace or paying cash on delivery would avoid losing money.

Accessibility tips

Blind shoppers can benefit from websites and apps that work well with screen readers. Keeping order confirmations and emails organised helps track purchases, and reading product descriptions carefully matters since photos cannot be seen.

Thinking a professional-looking website must be genuine

Fraudsters can create convincing websites quickly. Checking the seller's history, reviews, contact details and payment options is more reliable than judging by appearance.

Key takeaways

Use trusted sellers and check web addresses, reviews and contact details.
Choose payment methods with protection, and use cash on delivery for unfamiliar sellers.
Never share OTPs or PINs.
India's 2020 e-commerce rules require platforms to show seller details and grievance contacts.