Safety Tips to Shop Online

Online shopping is convenient, easy, and quick. However, before you start adding products to your cart, make sure you are prepared against threats and have the latest security software, web browsers and operating system. Keeping a clean and prepared machine is the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

Here are some other ways to protect yourself when shopping online:
Check out sellers: Do your complete and thorough research before you buy from a seller you have never done business with. Some hackers try to trick you by creating malicious websites that appear legitimate, hence verifying the site before giving out any information is a must. Take snapshots of your purchase, of seller details online, save the link, etc, to be backed up with some information if you fall for any such malicious seller.

Make sure the site is legitimate: Before you enter your personal or financial information like credit/debit card details to make an online transaction, make sure that the site is secure. However small the purchase is, whether it’s an item of kitchen decor or a as large as a furniture piece, you can get trapped the moment you do a purchase on an unsecured network. Look for signs of security.

This includes a closed padlock on your web browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with shttp or https. This indicates that the transaction is encrypted or secured. Also, never make a transaction when you are connected to an unsecured wireless network.

Protect your personal information: When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete the transaction. You must know the kind of details a transaction requires. Make sure you think it is necessary for the vendor to request that information.

Fill up only need to fill out required fields on a vendors checkout form. Make sure you read the privacy policy of the website and also the fine print. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored or used later.

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Use safe payment options: Credit cards are usually the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the bank if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered. Also, unlike debit cards, credit cards may have a limit on the monetary amount you will be responsible for paying if your information is stolen and used by someone else.

Don’t store your card details in your email, drafts, etc. If your email address gets hacked, then the hackers will have easy access to these details. Don’t forget to review return policies.

Keep a paper trail: Keep an e-copy or print records of your online transactions, including the product description, price, online receipt, terms of the sale, and copies of any email exchange with the seller.

As soon as the transaction is done, read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren’t any unauthorised charges. If there is a discrepancy, call your bank and report it immediately.

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Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping: Do not leave your computers running and connected to the Internet all day and night. This gives hackers 24/7 access to your computer to install malware and commit cyber crimes. To be safe, turn off your computer when it’s not in use.

For example, if you’ve just purchased a kitchen decor item for your home, then after having carefully read the credit card statement and receiving the order confirmation email, you should sign out of your account on all websites, and turn off your computer thereafter.

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