General Advice On Browsing and Shopping Safely

Due to this post on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/labubu/comments/1l445ge/scam_link_on_popmartworld_fan_site/?ref=share&ref_source=link. It brought to my attention the shady ways that company employ ads on my site, and in general in how the internet and business world works. So here is some general advice when you are shopping or browsing online.

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Advice #1: If the price is too good to be true, it probably is

Very rarely will you find someone selling a Labubu or another collectible figurine at a shockingly low price. Most resellers and scalpers add at least 20 percent above manufacturer’s suggested retail price to recoup costs and turn a profit. If you see a deal that undercuts retail by half or more, assume it’s a scam or counterfeit until proven otherwise.

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Advice #2: Do not scan any QR or click any URL you do not know where it came from

In the Reddit example, a company placed a QR-code ad that led users to a malicious site. Unless you have verified the source—official website, trusted vendor, well-known influencer—resist the urge to scan or click. When in doubt, type the URL manually or go through a search engine result that you know is legitimate.

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Advice #3: Do your research

It may feel tedious, but a few minutes of investigation can save you from hours of frustration or financial loss.

• Look up the seller’s name on forums or social-media groups dedicated to the product or hobby.
• Post the images the reseller provides and ask others if they’ve seen them before.
• Use Google’s reverse-image search (or TinEye, Yandex) to check if pictures were lifted from another site.

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Advice #4: Do not give your second-factor authentication to anyone

Scammers are growing more sophisticated, but most still can’t bypass two-factor authentication on their own. Never share one-time codes from your phone, email or authenticator app—no matter how convincing the request sounds.

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Advice #5: Use a credit card or a reputable payment service

Credit cards and services like PayPal offer fraud protection that debit cards or wire transfers do not. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a better chance of disputing the charge and getting your money back.

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Advice #6: Check return policies and warranty details before you buy

Always read the fine print. Know who pays for return shipping, how long you have to request a return, and whether the item is covered by a warranty, especially for electronics or high-value collectibles.

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Advice #7: Rely on verified customer reviews, not just star ratings

Star-only summaries can be faked. Read written feedback. Look for photos and videos from real buyers. Pay attention to comments about shipping time, packaging quality and customer service responsiveness.

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Advice #8: Keep your software and browser up to date

Updated systems patch known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser and key apps. Consider using an ad blocker or privacy extension to prevent malicious ads and trackers from loading.

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Advice #9: Avoid shopping over public Wi-Fi networks

Unsecured networks make it easy for attackers to intercept your data. If you must shop over public Wi-Fi, use a trusted VPN to encrypt your connection.

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Advice #10: Monitor your bank and card statements regularly

Set up alerts for transactions and review your statements weekly. Early detection of unauthorized charges makes it much easier to resolve fraud.

Staying safe online is about combining healthy skepticism with a few smart habits. By following these guidelines—verifying sellers, protecting your account details and using secure payment methods—you’ll reduce your risk and shop with confidence.