Buying something online? Watch out for these online scams

Online shopping continues to be a part of everyday life for many Filipinos. According to a study by data firm Statista, the number of e-commerce users in the country is forecasted to continue increasing in the next five years, estimated to reach a new peak of 31.6 million users in 2029. But as the country with the highest rate of online shopping scams according to the 2023 Asia Scam Report, Filipino shoppers must remain vigilant against online shopping scams.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, CIMB Bank Philippines encourages everyone to exercise caution when transacting online. Be mindful of these online scams to continue make your shopping experience safe and enjoyable:

Package delivery scam

The most common way to receive goods ordered online is through delivery. However, be careful when receiving fake delivery updates due to the proliferation of “package scams.” This is when scammers send deceptive emails or text messages about an attempted or intercepted delivery to trick buyers into giving away their personal details, money, or data. To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, always verify the sender of these updates and do not entertain messages from unknown numbers. Do not click any links or attachments as well, and most importantly, do not share personal or financial information with these numbers and report them to the authorities immediately.

Fake online shopping websites

Fraudsters would also create fake or low-quality online stores to collect victims’ personal information. According to the security experts at Kasperksy, scams on these websites can be troublesome as they sometimes still deliver the products or services they offer to create the illusion of trustworthiness, but the quality delivered is usually subpar. More alarmingly, this becomes a gateway to obtain information about buyers for unpermitted use. Be wary of websites that use emotional language – meaning it uses words that make you feel an elevated level of urgency, optimism, or fear. Avoid websites that also have poor design quality and use odd grammar, alongside the lack of a ‘Contact Us’ or ‘About Us’ page. If they seem to want to avoid verbal contact, there’s probably a reason.

Payment redirection

Scammers may also ask for payments outside of secure platforms, such as through direct money transfers, with promises of discounts or faster shipping. Once the money is sent, the scammer vanishes. To keep your money safe, check for secure payment processing options. Reputable e-commerce platforms usually offer payment protection for transactions done within their system, such as Shopee Guarantee and Lazada Protect, so it would be best to stick to these platforms.

Be sure to exercise safe online shopping practices to attain financial security, which can, in turn, help you live your life purpose. For online transactions, you can opt to use the CIMB Virtual Debit Card to conduct your business online safely and securely. All you need is an existing CIMB deposit account to request for a free Virtual Debit Card directly on the CIMB PH mobile app.

Opening your own CIMB account only takes a few minutes on the app. Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old need to prepare only one valid ID. This gives you access to CIMB’s groundbreaking deposit and loan products as well as special offers with record-breaking high interest rates.

CIMB Bank PH is the Philippines’ most awarded digital-only commercial bank. To know more about CIMB Bank PH’s offerings, visit cimbbank.com.ph.