As online shopping becomes popular in Nigeria and more people engage in e-commerce, so has Internet or cyber fraud and scams.

One of the dangers associated with online shopping is identity theft, which has to do with hacking of email accounts.

One key issue in online shopping is reliability of the seller, and even the buyer. Some items are never delivered after payment has been made

Be careful when making online payments. Only pay for items using a secure payment service. Look for a URL starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol or a payment provider. When buying from an online, only pay when you have physically inspected or received the goods. If you have any doubts about the product or the person selling it, don’t go ahead with the deal.

Some items might be of less quality and less flashy than what was advertised.

Never pay up-front through money transfers, ATM/credit cards or other electronic means ahead of delivery, because if you do and the item is not delivered, you are helpless.

Be very discreet about disclosing your account/credit card details while buying online.

Scammers pose as genuine sellers and post fake advertisements online solicit for customers on social media platforms, including rental properties, pets, used cars, boats, bikes, caravans and horses, household items, electrical/electronics appliances, etc, attaching fancy photos pictures and illustrations at low prices to lure customers.

When you indicate interest in the item(s), the scammer may claim to be travelling at the moment, but good on receipt of payment.

You may either receive a fake item or nothing else and subsequently unable to contact the seller.

In the case of rental properties, the scammer would pose as a property owner or landlord and post a fake copy of a genuine rental property.

When you show interest, the scammer would make excuses why you cannot inspect the property.

Do not make any deposits or advance payment. It could turn out to be an advance fee fraud.

Some people could also pose as genuine buyers, but with bad intentions.

If the advertised price of a good, service or rental property looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts, don’t go ahead with the deal.

Don’t trust the legitimacy of an advertisement just because it appears on a reputable website.

Before making an order, try doing an Internet search using the exact wording in the advert.

For rental properties or holiday accommodation, only use reputable online booking agents, do an online search to find out which ones are reliable. Always check the refunds and cancellation policies.

Be wary of shopping involving Internet banking or wire transfers.