With the rise of online payments, there's an increase in scamming opportunities. When shopping online, especially on marketplace sites, be aware that fraudsters might offer counterfeit or non-existent products.
What are payment scams?
Payment scams involve criminals deceiving you into making what appears to be a legitimate transaction, but is actually a transfer to them. They often impersonate someone else to gain your trust.
How to steer clear of payment scams?
Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true – these could be attempts to lure you into a scam.
Only shop with known, reputable retailers – ensure they have predominantly positive online reviews.
Engage with the seller – If they are hesitant to provide details or rush you into payment, be wary. For expensive items, request a physical inspection or video proof, and ask for documents proving ownership.
Opt for secure payment methods – always use your debit or credit card. Avoid bank transfers as they are difficult to trace and recovering funds from a scam can be challenging.
Avoid paying in advance for high-cost items.
Heed any warnings from GreenNation within the app, particularly if there's urgency to complete the transaction.
Ensure website authenticity – manually enter the website address in your browser rather than clicking on links from unknown sources. Check for professional design elements like consistent colours and logos. A fake website may have discrepancies in these areas.
Verify website security – look for a 🔒 padlock symbol next to the website name, signifying a secure digital certificate. Secure websites start with HTTPS.
Never input your banking or card details, such as bank passwords, card PINs, or app passwords on unverified websites.