Online shopping is a great way to save money and get the things you need without leaving your house. However, it’s essential to stay safe when shopping online. Staying safe has never been more critical, as there are more scams and ways for criminals to get your personal information.
Ways to stay safe during online shopping?
Here are ten ways on how to stay safe while shopping online:
Only shop on websites that you know and trust
Ensure the website is secure by looking for https in the URL and a padlock icon. A URL is the website address, and https stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. The padlock means the site is encrypted, so your personal information will be safe. Find out more about the website by doing a quick Google search. See if there are any negative reviews or articles about the website. Always check out the reviews before you purchase anything.
Never enter your credit card information into a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate
This certificate is a security protocol that encrypts information. Websites with an SSL certificate will have https in the URL and a padlock icon. If you enter your credit card information into a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate, there’s a chance that your information could be stolen. The risk of having your information stolen is not worth it. So, only enter your credit card information into websites with an SSL certificate.
Check the privacy policy of the website before you start shopping
Most websites have a privacy policy that you can find either at the bottom of the homepage or in the footer. The privacy policy will tell you what information the website collects and how they use it. It’s essential to read the privacy policy before you start shopping on a website. This way, you’ll know exactly what information the website has on you and how they plan to use it. Don’t shop on that website if you’re uncomfortable with the privacy policy.
Always double-check the prices on different websites before making a purchase
Don’t just go with the first website that you find. It’s important to compare prices on different websites before making a purchase. This way, you’ll know you’re getting the best deal possible. You can use a cost comparison website like PriceGrabber or Shopzilla. Or, you can search for the product you’re looking for and then click on the “Shopping” tab.
Be careful when entering your personal information, such as your address and phone number
Some websites will ask for your personal information, such as your address and phone number. If you’re uncomfortable giving out this information, don’t do it. There’s no reason a website needs your address or phone number; if they do need this information, they should have a good reason for it. Be very careful about giving out this information.
Create a strong password
Mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols when creating a password. Avoid using dictionary words or easily guessed words like your birthday. The longer the password, the better. Try to create a password that’s at least eight characters long. You can also use a password manager to help create and keep track of your passwords.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi when shopping online
Public Wi-Fi is not secure, meaning people can intercept the data you send and receive. It includes your personal information, such as your credit card number. So, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping online. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN will encrypt your data and help to keep your information safe.
Keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software up-to-date
Make sure to keep your anti-virus and anti-malware software up-to-date. It will help to protect your computer from viruses and malware. And, if you do happen to get a virus, make sure to run a scan as soon as possible to remove it from your computer.
Don’t click on links from unknown sources
If you receive an email or a message from an unknown source that has a link, don’t click on it. There’s a chance that the link could be malicious and lead you to a website that’s trying to steal your personal information. So, only click on links from sources that you know and trust.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card
If possible, use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online. It is because credit cards offer more protection than debit cards. For example, if you purchase with a debit card and the merchant doesn’t ship the product, you could be out of luck. But if you purchase with a credit card, you can dispute the charges and get your money back.
In conclusion
These are just some of the numerous methods for protecting yourself while doing business on the internet. You may use these strategies to help safeguard your personal information and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
