Safe online shopping with these 8 tips and tricks

A reliable webshop does everything to make the customer shop and pay as safely as possible. That is why our systems are secure and we offer the customer a secure payment environment. But you can also do something yourself to shop safely online. With the following tips and tricks you'll know what to look out for.

1. Only use public WiFi networks protected by a VPN

 It's oh so easy to shop for a new watch on your cell phone on the train or in a bar waiting for your friends. But beware: public WiFi networks are a favorite target of hackers. That is why doing online transactions such as internet banking, it is safer to use the internet connection of your mobile. Or even better: use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts and protects all internet traffic against parties trying to intercept data. Your IP address will be hidden as soon as you connect to a VPN server. As a user you assume the IP address of this server. This means that other parties on the internet can no longer find out your location and identity.

2. Check if the connection is secure

When you pay, make sure that the web address of the shop or their payment provider starts with "https: //". This means that the internet connection is secured and protected from snoopers.

3. Pay attention to trustmarks

Webshops that are members of Webshop Trustmark, Trust Ecommerce or Trusted Shops can only carry this trustmark if they comply with applicable laws and regulations, safety requirements and are financially stable. Unfortunately, there are criminals who abuse these trustmarks. If in doubt, always check the website of the trustmark itself and find out if the webshop is actually a member.

4. Beware of 'spoofing'

Some scammers copy entire popular webshops. If you order and pay on such a platform your money will vanish and you will never receive your goods. To detect spoofing always check the webshop URL. If the URL is not https://www.watch.co.uk, but spelled different or with added words, that site is not ours!Another red flag is if the URL does not match the company or the product sold. For example www.cheap-conservatory as URL for a watch webshop.

5. Is the contact information easily accessible? 

A reliable webshop has nothing to hide and will therefore state an address, (landline) telephone number, Chamber of Commerce number and VAT number on their site. If a webshop only has a PO box, or only a mobile phone number and no Chamber of Commerce registration, that is an indication that something is wrong. All information about Holland Watch Goup can be found on our Company Information page.

6. Use a secure payment method

Use a secure payment method such as Paypal or credit card.

7. Save your order confirmation

Take precautions, because even with a reliable webshop or your bank a malfunction can sometimes occur. If you save your order confirmation or proof of payment, you always have proof that you have ordered and paid! If in doubt, always contact the webshop immediately. 
Saving your order number also comes in handy when contacting us for information about your order.

8. Use common sense! 

The saying goes: If it seems too good to be true, then it usually isn't. Brand watches that are offered online for extremely low prices can be counterfeit or stolen. There are also criminals who replicate web stores to mislead the customer. Always check first whether you are dealing with a reliable webshop.

Now you know exactly what you can pay attention to when shopping online. Have fun shopping at watch.co.uk!