10 Tips for Safe Online Shopping in Pakistan

How often do you use the internet for online shopping? Are your social media accounts safe enough? Is your web browsing activity secure too? Unfortunately, the majority of online shoppers ignore minute but crucial factors that can make their financial and other information vulnerable and prone to cyber-attacks. 


From ordering designer lawn suits or gadgets, a wrong security password to clicking on an unwanted pop-up can lead to a complete disaster. Online shopping is surely convenient while you are wearing PJs at home, but it also comes with its risks. 


To avoid any unwelcome situation, we have listed easy tips for a safe online shopping experience in Pakistan. 


  1. Bulletproof passwords 

Are you a princessangel or a Brightstar123? If you have used either one, your password security is doomed. Most people do not realize that they tend to use an easy-to-remember password so that they don’t forget it. Oftentimes, an original account password for your Gmail account or Hotmail account is used too! 


It's a no go folks! For a safe browsing experience, create a new password for the shopping site that consists of uppercase, lowercase, and symbols. 


  1. 2-factor authentication 

Once you are done creating a strong password, always set a 2-factor authentication to have an updated security control. Recently, Gmail has made it compulsory to use two-step verification to ensure better security for its users. 


So if you still want to buy fabulous eastern dresses or any other items, a 2-step verification method ensures no one’s hacking your details. 


  1. Avoid HTTP domains 

It's easy for online users to stray from their original search items and fall prey to unencrypted websites. To make the browsing experience safer and more efficient, you must always look for the URL on the top. This way you can identify whether green padlock icons appear on the top or not. If not, it means the data on the website is not safe. 


Therefore the domains with HTTPS do have a padlock icon meaning that all information is encrypted and safe. 


  1. Install antivirus 

Pop-ups are pretty much annoying, right? When surfing various sites for online shopping, users can click on a virus disguised as a pop-up too! Pop-ups usually lead to a different landing page, and you bounce from the website or page you wanted to explore. 


So for starters, install antivirus or pop-up blockers that can protect your operating system from malicious viruses. 

  1. Look for customer reviews 

A credible website proudly displays its customer reviews on the homepage. Even if it’s for the SEO purpose, a visitor can still see the experience of other customers. Online shopping sounds more reliable if they are being transparent with their users right? Excellent reviews build the strong credibility of the seller. 

  1. Mode of payment 

80% of the online shoppers prefer to use online payments because it is easy and faster too. But what if your purchased item does not reach you? Online shopping in Pakistan is not as advanced as in some other countries. However, the majority of sites offer COD, online payments, or even JazzCash. Having multiple modes of payments also contributes towards the credibility of a website. 


Never trust an online store that only goes for COD. Despite other modes of payment, COD is still considered the safest option. 

  1. Price comparison 

Online marketplaces offer a myriad of products that sometimes seem too good to be true. You can purchase designer lawn suits, electronics, toys, etc but what’s important is to understand the price ranges in an online store must be the same as what is available in the local market. It's hard to count on the seller’s credibility if their prices are too cheap or too high. 

  1. Time duration of delivery  

Online stores with fast turnaround deliveries are more reliable as compared to the stores that take longer to deliver the same product. Usually, any credible site delivers the product within 2-3 business days. Sometimes it can extend to 5 business days as well. 


But an online store taking more than 10 business days to deliver a product is considered as an unsafe option for online users. 


  1. Confirmation email 

Once an online shopper has placed an order, they receive a confirmation email. These are automated emails triggered by certain actions taken by the website visitor. A confirmation email usually consists of the article code, name, price, quantity, and an image. 


Contact details and tracking links for the shipment are also given by the most credible sites. If you do not receive a confirmation email, it could be that the seller is not reliable. 

  1. Returns and refund policy 

Who will take the responsibility for damaged goods? Once you have accepted the parcel at your doorstep, open it at once without any delay to confirm whether you received the correct item or not. 


Sometimes website owners refuse to take responsibility for a damaged good and do not refund the amount either. However online stores with money-back guarantees or a product warranty are a safe option to purchase from. That’s why it is crucial for you to explore the returns and refund policy of the website you intend to purchase from. 



So, what do you think? Have you ever followed any of these tips on your own? If yes, then congratulations, you are moving on the right track! 


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