How can I protect myself from fraud in online trading?
April 2, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Daniel Netz
Dear lawyer,
My name is Yvonne Reuter and I am concerned about the increasing number of fraud cases in online commerce. Lately, I have heard more and more about consumers who have fallen victim to fraudulent online shops and lost their money. I regularly shop online and therefore want to protect myself from such fraud cases.
My main question is how I, as a consumer, can effectively protect myself from fraud in online commerce. Are there specific warning signs I should look out for? What actions can I take to ensure that I shop with reputable online retailers? Are there specific certifications or quality seals I should pay attention to?
Furthermore, I would like to know what legal steps I can take in the event of a fraud case in online commerce. How can I reclaim my money and hold the fraudster accountable? What rights do I have as a consumer in such cases?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with some tips and advice on how to protect myself as a consumer from fraud in online commerce. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Reuter
Dear Mrs. Reuter,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding protection against fraud in online trading. It is understandable that you are concerned in light of the increasing number of fraud cases that consumers encounter on the internet. It is important for buyers to protect themselves from such fraudulent activities in order to avoid financial losses.
To protect yourself from fraud in online trading, there are some warning signs to watch out for. First and foremost, it is advisable to only shop at reputable and well-known online stores. Look for a secure connection (https://) and trustworthy payment methods such as PayPal or credit card, which offer buyer protection. Be cautious of too good to be true offers. Check the reviews and experiences of other buyers with the respective online store as well.
There are various certifications and quality seals that you can look out for to verify the legitimacy of an online store. These include, for example, the Trusted Shops seal, the EHI seal, or the TÜV seal. These seals confirm that the online store meets certain quality standards and that customer data is secure.
In the event of a fraud case in online trading, you should first contact the online store and try to find a solution. If the store does not respond or offer a solution, you can take legal action. As a consumer, you have the right to withdraw and return the goods if you have not received them or if they are faulty. You can also reclaim your money through the payment service providers, depending on the terms of the respective provider.
If you have become a victim of fraud in online trading, you can hold the fraudster accountable by reporting the incident to the police. It is important to gather all relevant information and evidence to increase your chances of restitution.
I hope these tips help you protect yourself from fraud in online trading. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Sincerely,
Daniel Netz
