As a devoted animal lover, you probably take great joy in buying new products for your pet. Whether it’s new toys, collars, treats, or just a new brand of cat litter or dog food, there are all kinds of goodies to buy for your pet, and thanks to the Internet and e-commerce, it’s now easier than ever to get your hands on these products. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of when shopping this way. So, let’s discuss these risks and explain what you can do to mitigate them.
The Pet Economy And Its Pitfalls
Pet care products and pet accessories have become a major global industry, particularly in the age of e-commerce. Online stores like Amazon and eBay allow us to access a huge variety of products, from leashes and treats to medicines, flea treatments, and much more, all with competitive pricing and delivery options, so people worldwide have increasingly turned to online shopping when purchasing pet items, creating an industry that generates billions annually.
While this trend toward online shopping has been largely beneficial for us as users, the unfortunate reality is that it also brings risks, as scammers see this increase in e-commerce activity as an opportunity to scam users looking to find good deals. So, when shopping for your pet online, it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls.
What To Watch Out For
Maintaining vigilance against suspicious behaviour is essential to avoiding scams and cyber threats. The following are some commonly employed tactics to be aware of:
- Fake stores: Scammers often use fake online stores to scam pet owners out of their hard-earned money. These sites appear professional, but users who make purchases with them receive nothing and will often find the store has gone offline when they attempt to seek a refund.
- Counterfeiting: Counterfeit products are often sold as a way to exploit pet owners. These products are advertised as legitimate, branded products, but in reality, are non-licensed imitations that are of low quality and may even be unsafe for your pet, depending on the item.
- Phishing: Scammers also use phishing to deceive unsuspecting pet owners online. They may, for example, send emails with fake order confirmations, package tracking links, or discount offers. These are designed to trick people into providing private information, such as payment information or login credentials.
These are just a few of the ways that malicious actors try to dupe pet owners shopping online, but they are always coming up with new methods.
Shop For Pet Items Online, The Safe Way
To avoid falling victim to scams, it’s a good idea to follow some best practices for online shopping. Here are some useful tips that can help you ensure safe online shopping when buying pet-related items.
First and foremost, do some research on the seller. You might see an attractive deal advertised online, but before you buy, check that the offer is legitimate. Generally, it’s best to stick to well-known, verified marketplaces with plenty of genuine customer reviews, but comparing a listing to the official website of the product’s manufacturer can also be helpful. If you’re still unsure, you can contact the manufacturer to find out about authorized sellers.
Secondly, you should ensure that your connection is secure when shopping online. A good way to check is to look at the site URL in your browser’s address bar. If you see a padlock symbol and a URL prefixed with ‘https’, then this means that the site is using the best security standards to protect your data.
Additionally, it’s useful to utilise a virtual private network (VPN) to help you enhance your network security when making online purchases. VPN protocols will add another layer of encryption to all of your data and help to ensure that your payment details are secured. As a bonus, you can change your browsing location with a VPN, allowing you to search for regional deals and save money on purchases for your pet.
Finally, track your purchases closely. When you purchase pet items from online stores, take note of order confirmations and tracking numbers. This will help you to avoid being duped by a fake email, should you receive one.
Enjoy Safe, Secure Shopping For Your Pets
The advent of online shopping has completely changed the way that we shop for our pets, and while it’s easy to get excited with all of the enticing offers online, a little caution can go a long way. By taking the time to do some background research, prioritizing secure connections, and staying vigilant against phishing, you can ensure that you get the best deals for your pet pal without putting yourself at risk.
