Don't fall for fake offers: check the online shop before you order
You've probably seen bargain deals like this before: a laptop for only €39 or AirPods with 70% off. But are they really as good as they seem? Or is there more to it? We've all come across an offer that seems too good to be true. Here's how to spot fake offers or unreliable online shops and avoid unexpected costs and other surprises.
Misleading online shop ads
Online shops often use large discounts and promise fast delivery to lure in customers. Sometimes, you'll end up with a completely different product or you'll have to wait ages, if the product ever arrives, that is. Misleading ads spring up all year long, not just during the holiday season. That's why it's so important to check the normal price for a product and the online shop's details before you order.
How to spot a fake offer
You can often spot a fake offer or untrustworthy online shop by looking closely at the price, the online shop's contact details and reviews from other customers.
- Compare prices
Be extra cautious with huge discounts. Compare the prices offered by other online shops and see if the product is really as cheap as it seems. Online shops offering products at a much lower price than other shops may be unreliable.
- Check the online shop's contact details
If the price checks out, see if you can find the online shop's contact details. Reliable online shops usually provide clear information about how to get in touch. Can't find a phone number, email address or a contact form? You may be better off looking for an online shop that is easier to reach.
If you do find contact details, consider checking whether they are genuine. You could check whether it is registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), for example. If you're dealing with a foreign online shop, check whether it is registered in its home country's trade register. A trade register is an official list of company details. You can find a list of EU trade registers on the KVK website.
Read reviews on various websites
Reviews are a good way to identify reliable online shops, but make sure you don't rely solely on the reviews on the shop's own site. Always check out reviews on other websites as well in order to see whether customers were actually satisfied. If you come across lots of negative feedback, it might be better to find a different online shop. You can also use ScamCheck to see whether the online shop has been reported to the police in the past.
Use a secure payment method
If you've done your due diligence and decide to place an order, consider buying now and paying later if possible. With a buy-now, pay-later lender, you don't have to pay until you receive your order. If this is not an option, the best way to pay is by credit card or PayPal, both of which offer purchase protection. This means you can request a refund if something goes wrong with the order. Not all payment methods offer the same protection, so check the terms and conditions first.
Help from the European Consumer Centre
Maybe you've had to learn the hard way that an online shop was unreliable. Unfortunately, this is more common than you think. If you live in the Netherlands and have a problem with an order from an online shop in another EU country, Norway, Iceland or the United Kingdom, you can contact the European Consumer Centre (ECC). We'll provide advice and help you resolve the problem with the seller for free.
Report purchase fraud to the police
Have you ordered and paid for a product, but never hear a word about your order and can't find the online shop anymore? Unfortunately, you're likely a victim of purchase fraud and the ECC can't help you. If you think this has happened to you, you can report the seller to the police. This could help you, as well as other consumers who might find themselves in a similar situation.