Is Ecommerce Legit?

Thanks to the massive spread of the internet, and the now ever-connected nature of people across the world, there are now also countless ways to make money and operate a business, even right from your own home! 

Running a business online is now easier than ever, but this ease of access has led many people to wonder “Is eCommerce legit?” Not to mention whether various eCommerce businesses can actually be trusted! You might even be wondering if it is legit to set up your own eCommerce venture!

If you have been wondering about the legitimacy of eCommerce for some time, then you will want to keep reading down below, because we most definitely have some exciting answers for you!

Is eCommerce Legit?

Right away, we can say that, yes, eCommerce is in fact legit, and you’ve likely interacted with it yourself a few times. Online stores like Amazon and eBay are all eCommerce sites that allow you to buy and sell products in exchange for money.

The reason why many people wonder about the legitimacy of eCommerce is the fact that there are some risks associated with eCommerce! But what are these risks? And what should you be making a point of looking out for? Let’s take a look.

What Are The Risks Of Ecommerce?

Fake Websites

Some online stores may promise the impossible, and then quickly vanish without a trace. For example, a website may claim to offer a product you desperately want, at an unbelievable price, which may lead you to make a purchase. Either you will receive a fake knock-off version of what you thought you had ordered, or the store will simply disappear after taking your money!

In order to avoid such a nightmare scenario, you should make sure to check for signs of risk. If the website ever looks fake to you, make sure to never purchase from it. You can also check for a trust seal, which is a stamp that can be clicked on to verify the legitimacy of an online store. If there isn’t one, it is best to stay clear.

Viruses

If you were to be advertised the perfect product at the perfect price online, you may be tempted to click the ad, which could very quickly see your computer being infected with malware if the website is not legitimate.

It is important to be equipped with up-to-date antivirus software whenever you explore online stores, and also to check the legitimacy of a website on a search engine like Google before you head to it! 

Hacking

If you use a fake online store that requires you to create a membership account before your purchase, then there is a chance that the data you use could be used to hack into other online accounts you may have. For example, if you use the same email address or password to open an account on a fake online store that you use elsewhere, then a hacker on that store could try those same details on other websites and gain access to multiple accounts!

Compromising Financial Information

Of course, in order to make any kind of purchase online, you will need to enter bank details or other financial information, so of course, you will want to make sure that that information is always kept safe! 

If you were to purchase a product from an online store that was not legit or that was compromised in some way, then your financial information would be put in jeopardy, which could be totally disastrous.

This is why it is so important to always check every online store you plan to buy from before you make your purchase and to verify the credibility of any online store.

How Do You Spot An eCommerce Website That Is Not Legit?

So, in order to avoid the risks above, you will want to be vigilant to check for illegitimate websites. How do you do this?

Check For Bad Grammar And Spelling

Many fraudulent websites are often given to incredibly poor grammar and spelling, and if a store has particularly poor legibility, you will definitely want to steer clear of it. If they cannot even write about their products or services in clear English, then they most certainly will not be able to protect your financial information!

Check For HTTPS

This is one of the most essential things that you should try to do no matter what kind of website you are visiting. HTTPS should be at the start of every website address you visit. This may often be denoted through the use of a small ‘padlock’ icon. This ensures that the website has adequate security, and has a full SSL certificate. If there is no HTTPS, do not shop there.

Check For Policies

Consumers online have certain rights, and it is these rights that scam websites and fake online stores will act against. 

All legitimate online stores will allow you to get direct access to a privacy policy, which allows you to see exactly how your data will be used over the course of your transaction with the business. If this is not provided to you, then you will most definitely want to steer clear of that store!

To Wrap Up

As you can see, eCommerce itself is totally legitimate, but it is still very much important to monitor your own safety when engaging with eCommerce to ensure that you do not find yourself falling victim to illegitimate stores that can prove dangerous for your financial and personal information.

Luckily, for the most part, spotting illegitimate online stores is very easy, which can help to keep you safe. If you are ever unsure as to the legitimacy of an eCommerce website, then make sure to go with your gut and avoid making any purchases there to keep your data safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eCommerce A Good Thing?

Absolutely. Not only does eCommerce make it easier for customers to find things they want to buy online, and purchase them at reasonable prices, but it also allows store runners to easily manage their own stores and reach a much larger audience of people that will want their goods or services!

What Is The Disadvantage Of e-Commerce?

Though it is not an inherent disadvantage of eCommerce, there is the risk that the stability of the website will not be suitable to process transactions properly, which can lead to compromised personal and financial information, which can be disastrous.

Why Do People Use eCommerce?

Though there are many reasons that draw people towards eCommerce, one of the most powerful benefits of eCommerce is the potential for free shipping. Many popular eCommerce platforms offer free shipping, which helps consumers to easily save mountains of money!