Online Deals or Online Traps? Shop Smart & Stay Safe from Scams

Your Safety Guide to Online Shopping

Online shopping in Singapore has become more convenient than ever—with flash sales, next-day delivery, and wallet-friendly deals just a click away. But with the rise of e-commerce also comes a surge in online scams, fake sellers, and counterfeit products. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just starting out, it’s important to stay vigilant.

Here’s a complete guide to shopping online safely in Singapore—and how to spot (and avoid!) the traps scammers lay out.

🚨 Common Online Shopping Scams in Singapore

Before diving into the safety tips, let’s quickly look at the types of scams Singaporeans are most commonly facing:

  • Fake Sellers on Marketplace Platforms: You pay, they disappear.

  • Counterfeit Products: The item arrives and looks nothing like the photos.

  • Phishing Links: Scam messages disguised as "delivery updates" or "exclusive sales" that steal your personal data.

  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Super low prices that either never ship or come with hidden catches.

  • Payment Fraud: Sites that steal your credit card info upon checkout.

✅ Stick to Trusted Platforms

Use reputable shopping sites such as:

  • Shopee SG

  • Lazada SG

  • Qoo10

  • Amazon.sg

  • Zalora

These platforms have buyer protection programs, transparent seller ratings, and return policies. Avoid obscure websites with little to no reviews unless thoroughly verified.

🔍 Always Check Seller Ratings and Reviews

Before buying, always:

  • Read recent reviews (not just the star rating)

  • Check the number of completed sales

  • Look at buyer-uploaded photos, if available

🚩Red Flag: New sellers with no reviews offering extremely cheap prices.

💳 Use Secure Payment Methods

Never transfer money directly via PayNow or bank transfer unless you absolutely trust the seller (e.g. Carousell with meet-up). Use:

  • Credit/Debit cards (for fraud protection)

  • Platform wallet (ShopeePay, Lazada Wallet)

  • Buy Now Pay Later options (e.g. Atome, GrabPayLater)

These come with extra security layers and dispute resolution processes.

📬 Watch Out for Fake Delivery Notifications

If you receive a message claiming to be from SingPost, Ninja Van, or any courier asking you to click a link to reschedule or pay fees—pause. It could be a phishing scam.

✔️ Always double-check using the official tracking number on the courier’s real website.

🧐 Verify Website URLs Before Entering Personal Info

Some scam sites mimic real stores (like adding a dash in the URL or using .net instead of .com.sg). Always verify:

  • The URL starts with "https://" (the “s” means secure)

  • The web address matches the brand name

  • There's a padlock icon in the browser

🛍️ Know Your Consumer Rights

In Singapore, under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, you have the right to:

  • Reject goods that are defective or not as described

  • Request a refund, repair, or replacement

  • Report unfair practices to CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore)

Bookmark this: www.case.org.sg

👀 Spot the Signs of a Scammy Product

Here’s what to be cautious of:

  • No clear photos (especially of the actual product)

  • All 5-star reviews but written in broken English

  • Seller is pushing for off-platform transactions

  • No return policy

When in doubt—don’t checkout.

🧠 Final Tip: Trust Your Gut

If it feels off, it probably is. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly—take a moment to think before clicking that “Buy Now” button.

✅ Stay Smart. Shop Safe.

Shopping online is meant to be easy and enjoyable—but staying informed and alert makes all the difference. Share this guide with friends and family in Singapore to help them avoid falling for scams too.