Background on the Relevance of the Topic
With Mother’s Day approaching on May 10th, one of the busiest shopping periods in Mexico, the Cybercrime Unit of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) in Mexico City has issued an alert regarding the rise in online shopping-related frauds.
Types of Online Fraud to Watch Out For
During this period, cybercriminals take advantage of the increased transactions to employ various digital fraud modalities such as phishing, fake websites, misleading offers, information theft, and selling counterfeit or stolen goods.
Recommendations to Ensure a Safe Online Shopping Experience
1. Shop on trusted websites:
- Ensure the online store has a good reputation and secure connection (https).
2. Research before purchasing:
- Check user reviews and verify that contact information is genuine.
3. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true:
- Excessively low prices could be a trap.
4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links:
- Do not enter websites from unknown emails or messages.
5. Use secure payment methods:
- Prioritize platforms with buyer protection and avoid direct transfers.
6. Keep your antivirus software updated:
- This helps detect threats in real-time.
7. Verify product authenticity:
- Ensure products are genuine and come with a warranty.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Which websites should I shop from? A: Stick to well-reputed online stores with secure connections (https).
- Q: How can I avoid falling for misleading offers? A: Be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than average, as they might be scams.
- Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious email or message? A: Do not click on any links provided and report the email or message to the Cybercrime Unit.
- Q: What payment methods are safest for online shopping? A: Opt for platforms that offer buyer protection and avoid direct money transfers.
- Q: How can I protect my device from online threats? A: Regularly update your antivirus software to ensure real-time threat detection.
- Q: How can I confirm a product’s authenticity? A: Research the seller, check for product reviews, and ensure the item has a valid warranty.
