If something looks too good to be true…
At this time of year, we are try to find the best bargains to ensure that we get value for money and the right present for our friends and family. Technologies has come on by leaps and bounds to enable us to buy anything with the touch of a button or the click of a mouse.
However in a bid to get these items we freely provide our financial and personal details on a large number of websites. The big names in terms of online shopping will try to be as secure as possible but unfortunately there are packages and tools that can be used to hack into our computers and gain personal information or to make up emails or websites that are fake but look just like the real thing.
According to a survey by Gartner Inc, $3.2 billion was lost to such “phishing” sites in the United States last year. Emails are sent asking people to click on a link and provide their details in order to resolve “security issues”. The next they know, hundreds of euros have charged to their credit card or bank account.
It is the old adage that if it looks too good to be true that it generally is. I have seen and heard stories of people thinking that they are getting a bargain by paying a fraction of the recommended retail price for high price gadgets, only to find they have been scammed or that they will receive something that is fake.
A lot of people will not investigate those who they are buying from. A lot of the auction websites, such as eBay, will show feedback from other customers who have made purchases from a particular seller. While the odd negative remarks may just be a case of sour grapes; a lot of bad feedback should be heeded and it may be a good idea to not go through with the bid or purchase.
So if you see a 50 inch plasma television for €50 on sale on an auction site, ask yourself what exactly you are buying. We are click the terms and conditions box and never give it much more though.
However, the best advice I can give in this case is to check out everything before you click on the purchase button. You may not realise what you are getting yourself into if you do not.
Sunday, December 14th, 2008 and is filed under Thoughts & Questions, Views on News.
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