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A GUIDE TO SHOPPING ONLINE (TO MINIMIZE CHANCES OF GETTING SCAMMED) 
a medium thread
all of these advice comes from years of online shopping across many places, and while they're not 100% foolproof, they do make it harder to get scammed. i feel like we could all use this advice esp with sale season coming up.
VERIFY THE SELLER. when it comes to twitter shopping, always ask for proofs, and don't just rely on photos. ask for video proof of onhand items, or links to twitter posts of active accounts. BE SUSPICIOUS if the feedback photos are from chats/DMs with covered usernames! +
because it's very easy to fake those. if a seller is legit, they'll be able to send video clips of the item. ask for them to show the item along with your username or a specific phrase written on a piece of paper. if your seller gives many excuses not to do this, be worried.
VERIFY THE ITEM. there are many twt shops that buy directly from official stores, which is known as group orders (GOs), primarily to lower the cost of shipping. ask your seller where they're ordering their official merch, good shops won't hesitate to answer you.
for back catalogue items, however, there's a higher risk because they'll be bought from unofficial suppliers. if the shop looks legit (extensive proofs, many repeat buyers, updated public trackers, has bank MOP), ask if the item you qant is from their usual supplier +
if it's from their usual "tried and tested" supplier for other successful item batches, there's less chance of getting scammed out of your preferred item. if it's a new supplier, there is always a risk, so proceed cautiously.
SIGNS OF A LEGIT SHOP. this isn't entirely foolproof, but generally:- has BANK MOP (you need official documents to have a bank account, easier to trace when scammed)
- doesn't rely on e-wallets like gcash or paymaya (more on this later)
- accessible order tracking
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- has lots of verifiable proofs (don't be shy DMing former buyers, it's your right as a customer to ask)
- updates regularly, or at least replies when you DM
- at least 1 year old account, or managed by someone with an old account (some sellers might not disclose this tho)
- updates regularly, or at least replies when you DM
- at least 1 year old account, or managed by someone with an old account (some sellers might not disclose this tho)
USE BANK MOP WHEN YOU CAN. we have many MOPs available bc of online banking and e-wallets, but bank MOP has the most protection for you as a buyer. you need legal documents to have a bank account. if you get scammed, you have better chances of getting your money back this way.
RISK OF E-WALLETS. gcash, paymaya, and paypal are some popular e-wallets. they're easier to use but have high risk. for example with gcash, you can only file a complaint for scam transactions within 15 days; after that, they won't help you anymore. +
while paymaya and paypal only have 30 days and 60 days contest period respectively. obviously with kpop items, it takes months for scams to be revealed, and by then you have no buyer protection anymore. USE E-WALLETS CAUTIOUSLY.
ACCEPT THAT ALL ONLINE SHOPPING HAS A RISK. there's no such thing as a risk-free online transaction, you can only lower the risks. always be ready for the chance that you may lose your money by pure bad luck.
OTHER TIPS.- make use of long DOP and downpayments. there's no need to rush!!!
- ORDER ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR IT. if you don't have the funds, then don't order.
- routinely check and ask for updates, but don't harass the shop everyday either.
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BEWARE OF SHORT DOPs, unless it's a shop or seller you absolutely trust (like sales or steal finds). many scammers want our money ASAP to limit their exposure, so if a shop or seller insists on payment RIGHT! NOW! QUICKLY! then you're most likely talking to a scammer.
BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK. if you really want near-zero risk, buy directly from official stores. however, this will be very expensive because of the many fees involved (some stores charge shipping insurance). weigh your options carefully and choose what you're comfortable with.
FINALLY, treat people with respect. not all sellers are out to scam you, and while it doesn't hurt to be cautious, being rude won't help you either. be thorough in verifying your chosen seller or shop without forgetting your manners. 
this thread was brought to you by over 10 years of online shopping and losing an embarrassing amount of money to scammers on the internet over the years. i hope this helps new and seasoned buyers alike!
please feel free to add advice to 5his thread too!
