How to Avoid Scams?

Before buying, try to contact the seller.

Look for example:

• a live chat;
• a Contact page;
• a support email address;
• a contact form;
• another clear way to reach someone.

If a live chat is available, use it.

Ask a simple question before paying.

For example:

• “What is your normal activation time after payment?”
• “Are my device and application compatible with your service?”

The goal is to check that a real person is answering and understands your question.

Warning: getting a reply before buying does not guarantee that the seller is reliable. It is simply an extra check that may reduce the risk of sending money to a site where nobody answers.

A live chat can be especially useful before a purchase. It lets you confirm that someone is actually responding and ask whether your service can be activated while you are still in the conversation.

Simply ask:

“If I buy now, can you activate my service while we’re still on Live Chat?”

Some sellers can do this if they are online.

In that case, the process can be very simple:

1. You speak with someone on Live Chat.
2. You confirm that your device and application are compatible.
3. You make your purchase.
4. You stay in the chat while the seller checks the order.
5. The seller activates the service and sends you the information you need.

This can greatly reduce uncertainty, because you already know someone is there and following your order.

Live activation is a good sign, but not a guarantee

Being able to speak with someone and get an activation during the conversation is reassuring.

However, this still does not guarantee that a seller or website is 100% reliable.

Always keep your purchase information and know exactly which seller you made the transaction with.

If live activation is not possible

That is not automatically a bad sign.

The seller may be busy, need to verify a payment or process activations in a certain order.

Simply ask:

“How long should I expect to wait for my activation?”

If the answer is clear, you know what to expect. And if the stated time passes, you will know when to contact that same seller again.

Important

A Live Chat is for communicating with the seller.

Never send unnecessary sensitive information in a conversation, such as:

• your banking password;
• your full card number;
• your banking security code;
• a personal password you use elsewhere.

The seller should only ask for information that is actually needed to find your order or set up your service.

Many activations are handled manually by people.

After you pay, someone may need to:

• receive your order;
• verify the information;
• create or activate your service;
• prepare the information you need;
• send you the instructions.

And no one sits at a computer 24 hours a day. People work, eat, sleep, go out and may also be in another time zone.

Also check:

• your inbox;
• your Spam or Junk folder;
• the email address used for the purchase.

Try contacting the seller. But above all, return to the exact website where you made your payment.

Several different sellers may offer a service with the same name. That does not mean they belong to the same company or share their orders.

A simple example

You buy a service called “XYZ” on one website.

A few days later, you find another website that also sells “XYZ”. The second seller may have absolutely no access to your order, payment or activation. Even if they sell the same service.

If you have a problem after your purchase, first contact the exact seller you made the transaction with.

Another seller may not be able to:

• find your payment;
• see your order;
• activate your subscription;
• change your account;
• refund a transaction they never received.

After a purchase, do not simply close the page assuming you will easily find the seller again later.

Keep at least:

• the exact website address where you bought;
• the email address used to place the order;
• the confirmation email;
• the order number, if there is one;
• your proof of payment;
• the payment date;
• the link to the Contact or Support page;
• any important conversation with the seller.

A screenshot can also be useful.

This information does not guarantee that you will avoid a scam. It mainly helps you find the right seller more easily and show what you bought if a problem comes up.

You do not need to conduct a detective investigation. A few questions are often enough to better understand what will happen after you pay.

You can ask:

• What is the normal activation time?
• How will I receive my information?
• What should I do if I receive nothing?
• Which device or application should I use?
• How can I contact support after my purchase?

The answers are not a guarantee. But if nobody can answer you before you send your money, take a few minutes to think before continuing.

Check how long ago you paid.

If it has been less than 24 hours and the seller did not promise a faster activation, give them a little more time.

Check your emails and your Spam or Junk folders.

Return to the exact website where you paid.

Contact their support with:

• your email address;
• your order number;
• your purchase date;
• your proof of payment.

If you still receive no answer after a reasonable amount of time, you can then look at the options available based on the payment method you used.

Not receiving an activation after a few hours does not automatically mean your money is lost.

Before buying the same service somewhere else, first try to find and contact the seller you already paid. Otherwise, you could end up with two different orders from two different sellers.

None of these points alone proves that a website is fraudulent. But be more cautious if:

• there is no clear way to contact the seller;
• nobody answers before payment;
• the website explains very little about what happens after purchase;
• no activation time is provided;
• you do not know how to get support;
• the website pressures you to pay quickly without answering your questions;
• you cannot find information showing where you actually made your purchase.

Several small warning signs together are worth taking seriously.

Before paying

1. Try to speak with someone.
2. Ask about the activation time.
3. Check how to contact support after the purchase.
4. Keep the exact website address.
5. Keep your proof of payment and confirmation.

After your purchase

6. Allow up to 24 hours for a manual activation, unless the seller says otherwise.
7. If there is a problem, first contact the exact seller you paid.
8. Do not assume that another seller of the same service will be able to find your order.

Are you unsure about your device, the application you need or what to ask before buying?

You can ask Cleo for advice. Cleo can help you better understand your equipment and available options before you make a decision.