Shop Safely Online: Essential Tips to Avoid Scams and Protect Your Information
With the development of technology, online shopping has become more and more popular, making life easier. It’s a great place to compare prices, find the best deals, and have products shipped right to your front door from the comfort of your home. However, with such benefits comes risk. Therefore, it is important to be safe and get the best deals without falling prey to online scams. So, if you are someone who loves to get clothes, accessories, footwear, make-up products, and furniture and groceries at your doorstep at the click of a button, then this article is just for you. Here are 5 tips to have a safe and secure online shopping experience:
Buy from trusted and familiar sites
Some websites may have sales on them, but always buy from websites you know and trust. Don’t jump into the shopping spree at any random website selling cheap products, as this is how scammers lure people into giving away their information. Read up on the shopping store you’re about to shop from and make sure it’s authentic. Look for websites with a secure padlock icon in the address bar. This means that the website encrypts your personal information. Avoid shopping on websites that pop up uninvited, as these websites are often scams.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Create strong and unique passwords for online shopping accounts with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using personal information like your birthday or parents’ names in your password. Try using a two-factor authentication method. It adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
Avoid using debit cards
When possible, use a credit card for online purchases, as most credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Debit cards can often leak your financial details to fraudsters because they are linked to your bank account. You can also make purchases using MasterCard Secure Code or Verified by Visa to protect yourself from scams.
Do not click on suspicious links
Don’t go on a shopping spree as soon as you find a deal that looks right and comes in the form of a link. Always double check the validity of the website and find out the reason behind such a big discount, as scammers often use fake deals to lure people. Be especially wary of deals that require you to pay upfront before receiving the product.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements
Regularly check your bank statements and credit card transactions for any unauthorized charges. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank or debit/credit card company immediately.
