How can you avoid online shop scams? Tips for safe online shopping:

• The appearance of a webshop is no guarantee, as fraudsters can easily copy the source code of the original site, which means they can create a site that is deceptively similar.
• The most effective defence against fraudulent websites is to check the URL carefully.
• Do not trust the SSL certificate (https). This is not a guarantee of the content of the site, it simply indicates that the traffic on that site is encrypted.
• Always check the GTC and the privacy policy before buying online. It is important to know who is behind the online store and how they handle your data. The privacy statements of fraudulent online shops can often be vague and incomplete. If company information and contact details are missing, you should be careful. 
• Find the contact details! Trusted online shops are always easy to find. If there is only one contact option, it may be suspicious! Look for the phone number, email address and location.
• Payment methods: If you're shopping in an unfamiliar online shop, opt for cash on delivery. So you only pay if the product has arrived in good condition.
• Delivery methods: If you can, opt for personal pick-up. This guarantees that you receive the product before any payment is made.
• Information about the reliability of an online shop can be obtained by using ScamAdviser (https://www.scamadviser.com/). However, it is important to note that this site does not guarantee the content of the site!
• If for any reason you feel that there is something wrong with a particular shop, trust your instincts and don't shop there! When shopping online, caution is the best protection.