Gransnet forums

Legal, pensions and money

Safest way to Buy on Line

(83 Posts)
Sparkling Sun 17-May-20 06:58:01

I have never used the Internet to buy anything, very nervous because of fraud. Lock down has made it necessary to bite the bullet. Has anyone got advice for me, should I open Pay Pal or buy by credit or debit card. Thank you.

Phloembundle Sun 17-May-20 10:26:57

I use Paypal. Whenever I have had a problem, Paypal sorts it out. Some people say don't use ebay, but they have always come up trumps whenever I have had a problem with a seller.

TerryM Sun 17-May-20 10:28:41

I have been shopping online for over 20 years . Have used PayPal over those years. I do occasionally have to use my credit card as the payment method but not often.
Had an issued with a purchase that didn't arrive. Bout 1800 USD PayPal reimbursed.
Have very little cash on hand. Cash account is not associated with my PayPal at all

cossybabe Sun 17-May-20 10:32:23

Always check, read the small print, for a UK geographical address - just because it is a .co.uk doesn't mean it is in the UK.
Same with an 01 telephone number, doesn't mean it is in the UK. Always look for the padlock, top left on browser before entering any card details. Most companies will take orders over the phone if you are more comfortable doing this.

CassieJ Sun 17-May-20 10:32:35

I have paid online for years with no issues at all. I use paypal for ebay and shopping if the online shop accepts it. Paypal is great for sending and receiving money from abroad. My son in Canada and myself do this for birthdays, Christmas etc.

If paypal is not available I use my debit card [ I rarely use my credit card ].

lincolnimp Sun 17-May-20 10:55:27

I much prefer Paypal.
I have never had a problem, and have also put in a succeesful claim with them when goods I ordered were not as described.
I don't have a credit card, only a debit, so PayPal is by far the safest and easiest way for me to pay online

Lynnp Sun 17-May-20 10:55:47

Agree with all above about paypal. In 10 years I have only had one problem with an item not turning up and they refunded me very quickly. I've never had a problem with credit card payments either but always use paypal if it's an option. I would just add, never pay for anything by bank transfer as there's no comeback if things go wrong.

Kartush Sun 17-May-20 10:56:43

I have a special debit card which I only have $200 on at any time, I use this for online purchases. If I know an item will be more than this I will transfer extra to it. I use this for most purchases

Aepgirl Sun 17-May-20 10:57:26

I think you just have to be super careful. I use PayPal and credit card for payments on the internet, but I think the most important thing is to make sure the companies you are buying from are legitimate, trustworthy and well known.

JaneRn Sun 17-May-20 10:58:47

Looking at the number of things I have recently bought on line I am beginning to wonder whether I shall ever need to go into a shop again. Garden sheers and an edging tool for the lawn, several CDs and yet more books, shampoo, various sewing items and yesterday two packets of dressmakers'pins arrived plus my usual regular grocery order. Much as I liked to go shopping in real shops I am beginning to wonder if the lock down may have changed my habits for good.

I always use online banking partly because you can check your account each day if you wish and would quickly spot if anything was wrong, and actual cash is becoming less necessary with the advent of contactless cards and credit cards. I am sure it will not be long before cheques are ended.

Gingergirl Sun 17-May-20 11:05:49

I wouldn’t use your debit card-ever. Credit card or Paypal is good. Make sure that when you go to the checkout and payment section, you see a little padlock at the top, something to indicate that the site is secure. Sign out after using the site. Check your order on your emails, as they usually send one and delete it after reading if you want to, (although it can be handy to refer back to it). I never save my password when given the option-or my card details. So you would put that in every time you use that site. And use a different password for everywhere you shop.Record them manually in a confidential and safe place if you won’t remember them. Never had any problems at all.

Scottiebear Sun 17-May-20 11:08:41

Pay by credit card. Years ago I bought some very expensive concert tickets on line. Huge problem getting the tickets, which eventually were not what I paid for. I sued them in small claims court (on line). I was awarded full refund, court costs and additional expenses. Couple hundred of pounds. But company never paid, despite bailiffs going in. Claimed nothing was owned by them, only rented. They were eventually shut down. But credit card company completely reimbursed me and were incredibly helpful. So credit card and try to order from a reputable, known source.

Missfoodlove Sun 17-May-20 11:08:58

If you have the technology and know how the safest way to pay is Apple Pay.
The number on your card is encrypted so the retailer never has access to it.

You need to put your payment card on your smartphone, you can then also pay in shops with just a fingerprint.

blondenana Sun 17-May-20 11:12:31

Paypal is more secure,if you need to get money back frpm somewhere ,easier than going through a bank

handbaghoarder Sun 17-May-20 11:13:09

I’ve used PayPal for years. Never had a problem with them But use credit card too, again without issue. Use debit card for Tescos and such like. My debit card details were used fraudulently on a couple of occasions but the bank were able to identify where. The last time it had been used to buy grocery. Home delivery ??? That one didnt take much tracking !!!!!

Theoddbird Sun 17-May-20 11:21:27

I use PayPal a lot....have done for years. Never had any problem. I will say that PayPal emails are always addressed to you in person...your name There are fraud ones that usually address you by your email address.

sarahellenwhitney Sun 17-May-20 11:21:39

Furret
I have nothing but praise for PP. I have always used a specific bank for online purchases and PP use that account . Never had a problem getting refunds.Let PP deal with that. Never had problems with items sent to wrong address???Isn't the supplier of the item you ordered responsible for sending to the wrong address NOT PP?

Missiseff Sun 17-May-20 11:22:36

Used it for years, don't know what I'd do if couldn't! Always used a debit card.

grandtanteJE65 Sun 17-May-20 11:24:56

Only buy from reputable companies.

Never buy from private people, as you have no idea whether they can be trusted to send you the goods you have paid for.

Many can, but obviously not everyone, and it is well-nigh impossible to do anything about it, if you are cheated.

I have never had any problems when buying from well-known companies.

ayokunmi1 Sun 17-May-20 11:32:47

I would open a PayPal account,never had any issues with it ,infact I prefer this method of payment you link a credit card to the pay pal account.

MissAdventure Sun 17-May-20 11:36:56

I use PayPal too.
It's so easy, no wondering if it's "gone through", and everything clearly listed, in terms of money in/out.

sweetcakes Sun 17-May-20 11:37:32

I only use a credit card online I feel safer and sites that I know and trust.
Good luck ?

GagaJo Sun 17-May-20 11:39:11

I've found PayPal very good. A couple of years ago I bought a new tap/shower thing for the bath. It stopped working properly after 10 months or so, so I complained to the company, asked for a replacement/refund. They ignored me. Because I'd paid through PayPal I instigated a complaint and they got my money back. Wasn't hard to do either.

Gwenisgreat1 Sun 17-May-20 11:52:20

I usually use Paypal for the convenience, never had a problem with them, but never, never use a Debit Card for an online transaction.

Barb22 Sun 17-May-20 11:52:45

We buy everything on line by credit card if we can or Paypal .

henetha Sun 17-May-20 12:30:48

I can't imagine how I would manage without online shopping now. I've had Paypal for years with no problems.