Guide to Prevent Payment Fraud: Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Guide to Prevent Payment Fraud: Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives. However, as e-commerce grows, payment fraud cases are also on the rise. Credit card information theft, scams through fake websites, or phishing attacks target careless users.

In this article, we will explain how to ensure a secure shopping experience, how to identify trustworthy websites, and what precautions you can take step by step.

1. How to Identify Trustworthy Websites

Before making a purchase, the first step is to verify the website’s reliability.

a) Check the URL

Look for https:// in the address bar.
Check if the padlock icon is visible.
Verify the domain name. For example, beware of www.trvstedstore.com instead of www.trustedstore.com.

b) Company Information

Check the website’s contact information. A fixed phone number, a physical address, and a customer service email should be provided.
Presence of official information like tax office and registration number is a trust signal.

c) User Reviews and Ratings

Review feedback on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or local review sites.
Be cautious with new websites that have no reviews.

d) Design and Language

Poor design, broken links, and grammatical errors are common in fraudulent websites.

2. Protect Your Card Information

a) Use a Virtual Card

Create a virtual card through your bank app.
Set a spending limit according to the purchase and reset it after the transaction.

b) Two-Factor Authentication (3D Secure)

Enable 3D Secure during purchases, which requires SMS or mobile approval.
This system prevents unauthorized transactions even if your card information is stolen.

c) Be Careful Sharing Information

Never share your card details:

Over the phone
Through social media messages
Via email

3. Watch for Fraud Indicators

a) Unrealistically Low Prices

Prices far below market value are often the clearest trap used by fake websites.

b) Urgency Messages

Messages like “Only 5 minutes left” or “Buy now or miss the deal” are common tactics used by scammers.

c) Unexpected Emails or Messages

Verify the address before clicking on links in messages like "Your shipment is ready" or "Your payment failed."

4. Post-Transaction Checks

Regularly monitor all transactions through your banking app.
Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Temporarily block your card and request a new one if necessary.

5. Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Fake Website

A user clicked on an ad on social media and made a purchase. The address looked like https://www.nike-tr-shop.com, but it was a fake site. The user’s data was stolen, and unauthorized charges were made.
Lesson: Always verify the domain and the official website.

Scenario 2: Phishing

A user clicked on a link in an email that appeared to be from their bank and entered card information on a fake login page. High-value charges were then made on their card.
Lesson: Banks never request card information via email or SMS.

6. Additional Security Measures

Use up-to-date antivirus software on your browser.
Set strong, unique passwords for each platform.
Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Being a conscious and careful user is the most effective way to prevent payment fraud.

Verify website reliability
Protect your card information
Regularly monitor account transactions

These simple but effective steps can prevent fraud and ensure a safer online shopping experience.