Indians Check Seller Ratings & Social Media Before Online Purchases: Report

New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) A majority of adults check for a seller's rating online and assess a company's social media presence for authenticity before making a purchase, according to a study conducted just before the festivals.

The Norton Cyber Safety Insights report, which was released on Thursday, surveyed 1,000 adults during August and September.

According to the survey, about 96 per cent of the consumers geared up for pent-up purchases online during the festive season.

As many as 88 per cent of adults check for a seller's rating online, while 82 per cent assess a company's social media presence for authenticity, the survey noted.

The survey further revealed that the average amount lost to holiday shopping scams is over Rs 20,000.

To curb this, 73 per cent of those surveyed said they preferred to make payments through third-party providers like PayPal.

"With most consumers planning to shop online, it's imperative that we stay vigilant and prioritise security. The digital landscape offers fantastic deals and convenience, but it also presents potential risks," Norton India Director Ritesh Chopra said.