The right to security
We hope that your shopping experience will be successful and safe. Remember that consumer law protects you from fraudulent sellers. You can always take advantage of free legal assistance provided at the helpline in Ukrainian. As consumers, we are also exposed to the activities of various fraudsters. That is why you should exercise extreme caution when shopping and using the internet or your phone. Be particularly wary of various aid campaigns provided to Ukrainian refugees – work only with the credible ones.
Verify with whom you enter into contracts
Be especially cautious of offers that seem very attractive in terms of price. Before you pay an advance, make sure that the transaction is not a scam. Among other things, pay attention to the possibility of contacting the seller by phone, check how long the shop has been operating, search for its reviews on the Internet, ask friends about their experience and look through online comments.
Verify payment methods
When shopping online, verify whether the payment method is secure. If the page asks for your online banking login and password, check your browser bar to see if the URL address matches that of your bank’s website. If the URL address is different from the usual one, do not log on to this website nor enter your details and, if possible, notify your bank about it. Check if the website address starts with “https://”. Verify whether it has a padlock symbol and the applicable certificates belong to your bank. Always read carefully each text message containing an authorisation code from your bank. If your bank allows it, change your authorisation method from a text message to mobile app verification.
Beware of links from strangers
Criminals use various methods to draw victims to fake websites. Do not click on links contained in text messages, emails or instant messages from unknown people or institutions. Do not open suspicious attachments. Beware of all messages asking you to pay or offset an underpayment of small amounts (e.g. PLN 0.76) and providing a link to a website pretending to be a payment intermediary. Before making a transfer, contact the company listed as the sender of the message (e.g. a telecommunications operator, shop or web page). Carefully check the URL address of the website of the charity fundraiser and the institution behind it.
Invest wisely
Beware of individuals and companies offering quick profits without risk. Do not deposit money in the accounts of people and institutions you do not know.
Scammers can also call you
Be wary of phone calls from scammers. Sometimes fraudsters impersonate bank employees and ask for your login details or want you to install some software. If you receive such a call, hang up and, if possible, call the official helpline of the financial institution to verify it. Please be careful while dealing with telemarketing companies and people who contact you and claim to be consultants, account managers, etc., especially when giving your consent to use your personal information, passwords, codes, etc.
Have you been scammed? Take action!
If you suspect that you fell victim to an online scam, report it to your bank and the nearest police station as soon as possible.