Black Friday 2024: The ultimate guide to safe online markets in Greece – What you need to know

The approaching, and the anticipation for great offers and discounts is increasing. As the popular discount day has now been established in Greece, more and more consumers turn online to find the best offers. However, the rise in online markets brings with it the risks of fraud and online deception. In this guide, we will learn the steps to ensure that your purchases are safe, reliable and pleasant, while avoiding possible problems. 1. Choose reliable online stores During Black Friday 2024, the number of offers will be huge, but it is necessary to choose reliable stores for your purchases. Check if the store is known and has positive reviews from other users. Large retailers in Greece, as well as international chains that are legally active, offer greater security to transactions and protection in case something goes wrong with your order. Tip : Look for reviews and views on the store on platforms such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. The opinion of other consumers can give you a clear picture of its reliability. 2. Confirm the security of the website The security of the website is one of the first things to check when you make online purchases. A secure website should use the HTTPS protocol (the URL should start with “https://”) and display a lock on your browser addressbar. These features ensure that your personal data is encrypted and protected. Attention : Avoid entering personal data on websites that do not have the HTTPS protocol, especially when it comes to sensitive information such as credit card numbers. 3. Attention to “excessively good” offers During Black Friday 2024, offers will be many, but if you see prices that are too low in relation to their normal value, be cautious. Frauds and fake online stores try to lure consumers with outrageous offers, only to collect personal data or disappear after receiving payment. Tip : Check the price of the product in various stores to have an idea of its true value. An extremely low price can be a trap. 4. Avoid public wi-fi connections Internet connection via public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it is also a great risk when you purchase online. Public connections are more vulnerable to attacks by malicious users who can intercept your personal data. Tip: Use only secure, private internet connections, such as your home Wi-Fi or your mobile data network when you make electronic transactions. 5. Choose secure payment methods Most reliable websites provide secure payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal or bank transfers. Payment by credit card or PayPal provides additional protection, since in case of fraud you can claim a refund of your money. Attention : Avoid payments with direct bank deposits, especially if you do not know the seller well, as there is no way to return your money if something goes wrong. 6. Check the return policy A safe and reliable store should have a clear and fair return and change policy. Before completing your purchase, make sure you know the procedure and conditions of return, in case the product does not meet your expectations or if a problem arises. Tip : If the return policy is unclear or does not exist on the website, this is an indication that the store may not be reliable. 7. Protect your personal data The protection of personal data is decisive during online purchases, especially in view of Black Friday 2024, where increased internet traffic can attract malicious actions. Make sure you do not give more data than is necessary to complete the market. Tip : Avoid sharing sensitive data, such as VAT or identity number, unless it is a completely reliable and necessary transaction. 8. Keep your software and applications updated Informing your computer or mobile software is essential for protecting you against malicious software attacks. During Black Friday 2024, make sure to use the latest browser, as well as updated versions of your operating system. Tip : Enable automatic updates to your devices to keep security settings always in the latest version. 9. Beware of misleading ads and emails Deceptional emails and advertisements are common during Black Friday 2024. Electronic frauds that exploit the popularity of the day send fake emails with misleading offers or redirect users to malicious websites. Attention: Do not open emails from unknown senders or messages requesting personal information or bank account numbers. In addition, avoid clicking on advertisements that look suspicious. 10. Organize your budget and purchases Black Friday 2024 is a good opportunity for purchases, but organizing your budget is necessary to avoid unnecessary costs. Create a list of the products you need and set a limit on your budget. This will help you avoid impulsive purchases and stay within your financial goals during Black Friday 2024. Tip : Keep a list of the products you really need and compare prices in different stores to identify the best offers. Thus, you will avoid the pitfalls of excessive discounts on unnecessary species and focus on those that meet your needs.