Warning against online shopping

KARACHI:

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued an advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against online shopping scams, including fake websites, fraudulent social media stores and deceptive promotional offers.

According to the agency, fraudsters operating under the guise of online shopping use fake stores and misleading discounts to fleece customers and steal their personal information.

The NCCIA advised consumers to check sellers' credibility and customer reviews before placing orders and to shop only through authentic and reliable websites.

It cautioned citizens against blindly trusting unusually low prices, unrealistic discounts and limited-time offers designed to pressure customers into making immediate purchases, warning that these were common tactics used by scammers.

The agency also urged consumers to exercise particular caution when unknown sellers demand advance payments.