KUCHING: With Malaysia’s flourishing online shopping landscape, numerous delivery companies, including those offering Cash-On-Delivery (COD) services, have become prevalent.
Nevertheless, as this service gains traction among Malaysian shoppers, scammers seek opportunities to exploit customers by impersonating delivery service providers and delivering different items upon payment.
According to Ninja Van’s recent whitepaper titled ‘What’s next for the future of e-commerce in Southeast Asia’, 29 per cent of 1,504 surveyed Malaysian shoppers are e-shopaholics who contribute 50 per cent to the total e-commerce volume across categories such as beauty and healthcare, electronics, and fashion.
However, the surge in online shopping trends has also led to an increase in illegal activities, including fake carrier services, undelivered goods, and COD scams, among others, as highlighted by Ninja Van in a statement.
To safeguard against these pitfalls during purchases and ensure a secure online shopping experience, Ninja Van shares five essential tips:
- Verify sellers: Conduct thorough research on the seller’s credibility, scrutinising their contact information, physical address, reviews, and business history to ensure legitimacy.
- Direct contact: Legitimate sellers provide direct means of contact such as details, contact numbers, and delivery tracking information, fostering trust and transparency.
- Payment verification: Ensure that the contact information, address, and phone number align with yours before making payments, and verify the package’s processing or stamping for official handling.
- Inspect parcel contents: Upon receiving the parcel, inspect its contents for any anomalies or irregularities in packaging, refusing items not purchased and keeping a record of bought items.
- Beware of suspicious requests: Avoid responding to unfamiliar payment requests or invoices, particularly those with unrealistically low prices, as they could be fraudulent schemes.
Customers are advised to report any suspicious parcels or payment requests to them via email at support_my@ninjavan.co or through Ninja Chat for further assistance.
By adhering to these precautionary measures, customers can navigate online shopping safely and protect themselves from potential scams and fraudulent activities.
