12 rules for safe online shopping

      A recent Avito study showed that payment data tops the list of information people are afraid to disclose online (79%).

      56% of respondents emphasize the importance of keeping their full name and address secret. Another 22% named their mobile phone number among the most sensitive data. At the same time, 72% of respondents rate the security level of transactions on the Avito online classifieds board as high.

      "Modern technologies provide a high level of security and data protection. Large online platforms develop a whole set of tools that protect users at all stages: from two-factor authentication to machine learning algorithms that monitor the actions of sellers and buyers. It is important to choose well-known, trusted platforms, to access them only through the official app or website, and not to rush when choosing a product," says Natalya Yumatova, Director of Trust and Safety at Avito.

      Rules for safe online shopping

      1. It is important to buy goods on large specialized platforms. They most often have a system of secure transactions and payment protection. In addition, if something goes wrong there is customer support and an in-house security service.

      2. When visiting any digital platform, make sure you accessed it through the official app or website. Do not follow links, even if a friend sent them to you; enter the address yourself.

      3. Use strong passwords. Each site should have its own password. It is better to enable two-factor authentication (additional login verification by SMS or via a push notification) wherever possible.

      4. When choosing a seller, study their profile carefully: look at their transaction history, read other buyers’ reviews, and pay attention to their rating.

      5. Base your expectations on the average market price of the chosen product or service. If a seller offers a price far below market value, this is a reason for caution and at least to ask more questions.

      6. Communicate with the seller only within the platform’s secure environment and do not move to external communication channels. For example, Avito’s chat algorithms block phishing links (malicious links that masquerade as official ones) and warn about unsafe actions (for instance, if you are asked for an advance payment).

      7. Do not transfer an advance payment if you do not know the seller well enough. If possible, choose a seller or provider who is willing to receive payment upon delivery, or use the platform’s built-in "secure transaction" and delivery services. They protect both buyers and sellers if something goes wrong. For example, when using Avito Delivery, the money is not transferred directly to the seller but is held in a special protected account until the item or service is received.

      8. Do not share your personal data with anyone, including your phone number, bank card number, CVV and CVC codes, address, passport details, as well as hidden data and screenshots from your online platform account.

      9. Ask the seller additional questions about the item you are interested in. For example, you can clarify specifications or ask them to send more photos in the internal chat.

      10. Periodically check and update the data in your profile. Sometimes you may lose access to an old phone number or email. It is important that your profile is linked to contacts you can access.

      11. Do not give other people access to your account, even if they are acquaintances or relatives. If the system detects a sudden change in behavior within the profile, it may be blocked for signs of hacking. And if the person you gave access to deceives someone or breaks the rules, even unintentionally, you will be held responsible for their actions.

      12. Do not post ads at the request of others. Online you may encounter offers to do this for money. As a rule, such offers come from fraudsters who use such ads to deceive people. The responsibility for any violations will lie with the account owner.