As the holiday shopping season approaches, Czech consumers face an increased risk of falling victim to fraudulent online stores and sellers. Moneta Money Bank reports a surge in scams, particularly those involving fake delivery services, which reached record-breaking amounts from October to December last year. This October alone saw a 35% increase in transaction complaints, mostly related to undelivered or delayed goods.
Bank manager Jiří Poláček emphasizes that the most critical period for these scams is from October to January, coinciding with Christmas shopping and major sales campaigns. He advises shoppers to be wary of suspiciously low prices and recommends purchasing only from verified e-shops, using price comparison tools to cross-check deals.
Experts suggest several precautions for safer online shopping. These include thoroughly researching new e-shops, checking their ratings and terms of service, and consulting consumer review platforms like Zboží.cz. The Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) also maintains a regularly updated list of risky online stores that consumers should avoid.
The risks are even higher for those venturing into online marketplaces. Ondřej Kapr from the Police Presidium’s Economic Crime Department warns of a sharp increase in cybercrime, particularly fraudulent activities. Scammers on these platforms often use sophisticated tactics, such as creating fake payment gateways or requesting security deposits for non-existent goods.
Importantly, sellers are not immune to these scams either. The police caution against underestimating the risk of sellers becoming victims, urging users to be cautious about sharing sensitive information or confirming suspicious transactions. Remember, a legitimate buyer never needs your payment card details or PIN – providing your account number should suffice.