Online shopping is common, easy and convenient. There is no need to leave home to buy basic groceries, home furnishings, clothing or electronics. Goods are usually cheaper, the courier delivers them right to your door, and if the product does not meet our expectations, it can always be returned.

However, among the many offers available, we may come across dishonest sellers. Increasingly often, it happens that even though we have paid for the item ordered, it never reaches us, and contact with the seller suddenly breaks off.

Moreover, officers are increasingly recording cases of fraud involving the sending of fake links with payment demands to potential victims. Or fabricated SMS messages in which fraudsters impersonate bailiff offices and suggest that a bill must be paid.

Police:

The most important thing in such a situation is to analyze this type of message using common sense and check whether any alleged underpayment for a service could actually have occurred.

In the case of emails, it is also worth carefully checking the sender and the security features of websites, while avoiding clicking on suspicious links.

What should make us suspicious?

  • a very low product price
  • no clearly displayed information about the delivery date
  • no option to pay cash on delivery or through a dedicated portal handling payments for this type of purchase
  • payment exclusively by bank transfer
  • a link to bank accounts that allow only one payment method
  • shop names that deceptively resemble the name of a well-known auction portal.

What should we pay attention to?

  • the seller's contact details: does the seller provide the shop address and phone number; can you call them? If the seller asks for contact by SMS and then calls us back from a withheld number, this should make us suspicious
  • how long the shop has been operating on the market. This gives us an opportunity to verify the seller
  • check reviews of the seller on several social-media platforms; do not rely only on comments posted on the seller's website
  • check or ask for the auction number so that you can access the item being purchased without going through the seller. If the seller gives you only a website link, you will once again be redirected to their website (which may be fake).

Officers:

These are only examples of fraud methods, and criminals are becoming increasingly inventive, so always think twice before taking advantage of an attractive offer.

Where can we seek help if we fall victim to fraud?

A person who has fallen victim to online fraud (cybercrime) has the right to report the crime at a police unit or prosecutor's office, preferably the one closest to their place of residence or to the place where the injured person is currently located.

Police officers:

Due to the possibility of computer data being lost or destroyed, a report of this type of crime should be filed as soon as possible after it is discovered. This increases the chances of law enforcement securing complete evidence and identifying the perpetrator.