However, like any platform, it has its share of scammy shops looking to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
If you plan to shop on Instagram, you should always watch for some red flags.
How Does Instagram Protect Shoppers?
Instagram has robust Purchase Protection Policies to protect shoppers, but not every purchase is eligible for this protection.
To qualify for a refund, you must complete your payment using on-site checkout on Facebook or Instagram.
Purchases made through other payment methods arent covered.
For more details, visitInstagrams Help Centre page.
Before submitting a claim, Instagram recommends contacting the merchant and waiting two days to patch up the matter.
Also, you must provide complete evidence to get a refund for your purchase.
Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek |BongkarnGraphic/ Shutterstock
While Instagram provides purchase protection, the refund process takes time and effort.
To avoid this, look out for these red flags tosteer clear of scammy sellers.
If you buy from a seller who doesnt accept returns, you wont qualify for purchase protection.
Some fraudulent sellers intentionally make their return policies challenging to understand, making most purchases ineligible for refunds.
Therefore, carefully check the refund policy.
Otherwise, Instagram wont help you.
Stolen or AI-Generated Product Photos
Genuine sellers use professionally captured images for their product listings.
In contrast, scammy sellers often steal images from other websites or sources.
you might verify this by running the images throughreverse image search tools.
If an image is stolen, you should avoid that seller.
With the rise of artificial intelligence,scammy sellers use AI-generated photosto make products look more appealing.
If a product photo looks unreal, you should be cautious.
Check what others are saying about the brand.
These stores often buy low-quality products from overseas and sell them at a higher price.
Most dropshippers use the same images as the original manufacturers on marketplaces like AliExpress.
To identify such sellers, you’ve got the option to reverse-search product images on their listings.
This creates a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick purchase.
