In shops and at marketplaces, let us watch out for pickpockets. When paying for purchases, we should not show how much money we have with us. We should also exercise increased caution on public transport. Let us remember that a handbag should always be closed and kept at the front, within sight, while a wallet should be kept in a deeper front pocket. Let us pay attention to whether a so-called artificial crowd is forming around us, as pickpockets use this tactic.
If we decide to shop online, let us avoid using a computer in an internet café or an open public network. The safest option is to use a home computer with antivirus software installed. This will reduce the risk of our data, including login passwords, falling into the wrong hands. When visiting online shop websites, let us type the address into the browser manually and avoid links sent in commercial emails, which may be sent by fraudsters or hackers impersonating legitimate shops. By opening such websites or attachments, we may unknowingly install malicious software on our computer.
Before making a purchase in an online shop, let us check reviews of it. We should also check whether the shop provides its address and a telephone number that we can call in the event of any problems. We should also not trust sellers who offer products at drastically reduced prices. This may mean that the goods are defective or that we will never receive them. When buying computer equipment, let us check whether the seller includes original software on discs. We should never decide to buy a telephone without a charger and “documentation”; there is a risk that such equipment has been stolen.
Let us keep all correspondence related to the purchase transaction. It may be needed in a complaints procedure or if the seller commits fraud. In such a case, the police should be notified. In other disputed situations, we can seek assistance from the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
Caution and applying the principle of limited trust while shopping—both in brick-and-mortar shops and online—will help us avoid problems and enjoy successful gifts.