How To Stay Safe And Shop Smart!
Simply Her Singapore|November 2016

With online shopping scams on the rise, here’s how to stay safe and shop smart.

Priscilla Kham
How To Stay Safe And Shop Smart!

In 2015, there were 2,173 cases of cheating involving e-commerce, according to Singapore Police Force (SPF). That’s 30.5 per cent higher than in 2014. With the rise of e-marketplaces via websites and apps, online shopping hasn’t waned. Here’s how to deal with scams and other scenarios that could arise.

YOUR ITEM NEVER ARRIVED

It’s been weeks since you ordered and paid for your item, but there’s still no sign of it. “Contact the seller immediately if you do not receive your package after the promised delivery date,” says Seah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

“Keep clear documentation of the order and payment process, such as e-mails, SMS alerts or even screenshots of the payment made to facilitate dispute resolution,” says Seng Choon. He also advises using a postal service that offers parcel tracking, especially if you are buying a high-value item.

The SPF says you should buy only from reputable online sellers and check that the site is physically located where it claims to be. You should also check the seller’s track record with its previous customers.

GOODS LOOK DIFFERENT FROM THE DESCRIPTION OR PICTURES

Sometimes, the item you receive may look drastically different from what was advertised online. Protect yourself from such a situation by checking the site’s refund or exchange policy before you buy.

“Most e-commerce platforms have terms and conditions for refund or exchange of goods, such as the consumer having to report the incident within a certain number of days, together with clear documentation and pictures of the item,” says Seng Choon.

THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR ITEM

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2016 من Simply Her Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 2016 من Simply Her Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من SIMPLY HER SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
5 Signs You're Neglecting Your Spouse
Simply Her Singapore

5 Signs You're Neglecting Your Spouse

The most important person in your life may be the one you’re ignoring the most. Here’s how to fix this and improve your marriage.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2016
My Husband's Girlfriend Harassed Me On Social Media
Simply Her Singapore

My Husband's Girlfriend Harassed Me On Social Media

One woman’s perfect marriage came to an end when she found out her husband was cheating on her with a 20-year-old. She shares how she picked herself up eventually.

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2016
Are You Slowing Down In Life? Speed Up Now
Simply Her Singapore

Are You Slowing Down In Life? Speed Up Now

Food, sex, parenting… it’s now cool not to be on high speed all the time.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2016
Make Your Money Work Harder For You
Simply Her Singapore

Make Your Money Work Harder For You

Don’t let financial issues take over your life. Take these tips from financial experts on how to get rich faster, from saving quickly to investing cleverly.

time-read
9 mins  |
October 2016
Conquer Your Creative Block
Simply Her Singapore

Conquer Your Creative Block

The mental hurdle you get when brainstorming or working on a project? It’s normal. But you can bulldoze your way through it, say creativity experts.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2016
How To Take A Tech Break!
Simply Her Singapore

How To Take A Tech Break!

If your kids are hooked on the Internet and their gadgets, it may be time for the family to take a tech break. Here’s how to go about it.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2017
My Deadly Dance with the Dragon
Simply Her Singapore

My Deadly Dance with the Dragon

Nadia* reveals how drugs ruled her life in her teens and 20s – and the steps she’s taking to rebuild it now at 32.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2016
A Little Extra, Please!
Simply Her Singapore

A Little Extra, Please!

Wouldn’t it be great to earn a side income in your free time, be it after work or between minding your kids? Here are some ways you can work on an ad-hoc basis.

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2017
Top 5 Signs You've Outgrown Your Job
Simply Her Singapore

Top 5 Signs You've Outgrown Your Job

You don’t hate what you do, but you no longer feel happy or satisfied in your role. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to move on.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2017
Where Men Handle Everything!
Simply Her Singapore

Where Men Handle Everything!

She’s educated, professional, capable and confident. But when it comes to life maintenance, she’s a mess. Meet the Singapore wife who hands everything family or household-related over to the Hubs.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2016