Over the last decade, the percentage of total retail sales taking place online has more than trebled, from 4.9% in 2008 to around 18% in 2018.
The convenience and selection of ecommerce makes it an attractive option for consumers looking to do their shopping quickly and easily from the comfort of their own home.
However, there are many risks associated with online shopping, and consumers should be aware of the dangers before entering any personal or payment details into a website.
You know that you can probably trust Amazon and eBay, but not all ecommerce websites are created equal. A padlock on the address bar is often seen as a sign that your activity is secure, but all this confirms is that you are connected to the website in the address bar; it does not guarantee that the shop itself is legitimate.
If you’re not sure whether the website from which you are purchasing is trustworthy, research the organisation and read others’ experiences of using the site. Use independent review sites, as reviews on their own website could be made up.