Christmas is approaching, and online sales are peaking. But with them comes an increase in the risk of scams and disappointment. Here are some practical tips to avoid scams, based on recommendations from the Postal Police and experts, and EU and Italian return regulations, for a worry-free purchase.

Avoiding Scams: 10 Essential Tips

Online scams exploit the holiday rush, with fake sites imitating famous brands or offering "too good to be true" deals. Here's a list of ten rules inspired by the Postal Police and consumer associations:

  • Update your software and browser: Use recent versions to protect against malware. Avoid making purchases on unsecured devices.
  • Choose trusted sites: Buy from well-known platforms like Amazon, eBay, or official sites. Check for HTTPS lock and authentic reviews.
  • Check the seller: look for their VAT number, physical address, and phone number. If they're missing, be wary.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi: Don't enter sensitive data on open networks; use VPNs if necessary.
  • Be wary of huge discounts: offers with discounts of over 70% often hide scams. Compare prices on multiple sites.
  • Use official apps: Only download from verified stores to avoid fake apps.
  • Protect your payments: prefer credit cards or PayPal for traceability. Avoid transfers to strangers.
  • Don't click suspicious links: ignore emails or text messages with "exclusive offers"; go directly to the site.
  • Check total costs: Check shipping and customs fees before checkout.
  • Track deliveries: Choose tracking and insured delivery for your Christmas packages.

Returns Policy: Consumer Rights

In Italy, consumer protection was introduced by EU Directive 2011/83, transposed into the Consumer Code (Articles 52-59): you can return the product within 14 days of receipt, without stating a reason, for a full refund (including standard shipping costs). The seller must clearly inform you of this before purchase; if they fail to do so, the period is extended to 12 months.

To practice it:

  • Submit written communication (email or form) by the deadline.
  • Return the goods within 14 days of notification.
  • The refund will be made within 14 days of receiving the return, using the same payment method.
  • Exceptions: Customized, sealed products (e.g., opened cosmetics), downloaded digital products, or services already used. For defects, the two-year legal warranty applies: the seller will repair or replace them free of charge.
  • If the seller is non-EU, check their policies, but EU regulations apply if they operate in Italy.

(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)

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