BUYING A CAR ONLINE? HERE’S HOW TO ENSURE TOTAL SAFETY
While digital sales platforms have made it a lot more convenient to buy cars or bikes online, financial and transactional safety is very crucial as well
Digital sales channels in the Indian automobile industry have gained mammoth traction in Covid-19 times, with almost every car and bike brand in the country offering a simple and convenient way of making new purchases. Though these platforms are almost always highlighted as safe, the reference is mostly related to health and hygiene, considering the current pandemic scenario.
Indeed, equally important is financial safety, which becomes a prime concern during online transactions, as people with nefarious intentions can pose a threat to your plans of driving home a beautiful new ride. While original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ensure digital safety and security of netizens are an absolute priority, a few end up falling prey to fake websites, offers and claims. So, awareness is the key and here are some tips to ensure your digital car purchase experience is safe and free from any potential threats.
BEWARE OF OUTLANDISH SCHEMES AND DISCOUNTS
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t. It is very important to verify the credibility of deals and offers as these may not be from either the brand or the dealer, and may only be a way to lure you to a fake website.
CHECK CREDIBILITY OF THE WEB PORTAL
Just because a website has a neat and attractive page listing out all vehiclerelated information and is peppered with photos of your dream machine, does not mean it is authentic. One quick-fire way of ensuring authenticity of a website is to check its URL. Any junk characters or numeric combinations ought to instantly raise suspicion. One can even make use of websiteauthenticity checking software but if you don’t wish to make it complicated, just visit website of a brand through their verified social media handles.
AVOID SPAM MAILS
Checking and clicking promotional emails is not a good idea. It is best to leave such mails to the Spam folder.
Some of these are intended for phishing and user data can potentially fall in the wrong hands.
VERIFY PAYMENT PORTALS
Paying online has become part of routine life but it is always a good idea to be absolutely sure about the payment gateway before punching in your credit card or bank account details. This is true regardless of whether you are purchasing a book or putting in a down payment for your next set of wheels. If in any doubt, reach out to the brand on their customer care numbers or their social media handles.
CHECK AND CROSS-CHECK
It is always advisable to make an informed decision. The process becomes simpler online when one can do comparisons of multiple products or variants of a same model at the click of a button. As such, it is important to make note of every detail of interest on the screen when sitting in front of your device to make a purchase.
Internet has made life a whole lot simpler for today’s people. There is as such no reason why something like a new car purchase can’t be done online. That said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and these tips may help you have a pleasant purchasing experience.
(Disclaimer: The tips above are for reference purpose only and are intended to assist prospective customers making car and bike purchases)
WHILE THE ONLINE BUYING FOR PROCEDURE OFFERS VEHICLES PURCHASE CONTACTLESS IT IS PANDEMIC, AMID THE IMPORTANT TO EQUALLY FINANCIAL ENSURE SAFETY AND STAY DIGITAL CLEAR OF SCAMMERS