With the steady growth of digital platforms, an increase in e-commerce, and consumers getting what they need with expedited delivery, online sales are the best option for many people. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to fall for scams or a webpage to mislead you, especially with criminals getting smoother with their technical knowledge. If you enjoy shopping online, learn these important tips for online shopping safety that will help you avoid any problems in the future that could potentially ruin not only your day but also your credit.
Buy From Official Pages
When browsing online and wanting to buy from a brand you are not familiar with, make sure you enter the brand’s official website. It is important to scan the page before buying, reading reviews, and ensuring you are on the right site. Many scammers create similar pages to an official one, down to the last detail. Google and other search engines will display a lot of information, and it’s up to you to choose the right page.
Shop From Who You Know
If you constantly shop online at a site where you usually find what you need, stick with that provider; for the most part, this will keep your credit card numbers safe. Sites like Amazon provide almost everything you could think of, and they have a strong security system on their site to keep your information safe. Bigger brands know how important it is to secure your information and ensure you get the best experience.
Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a simple way for third parties to access important information. Avoid shopping while connected to a insecure signal; this is one of the things you can do to prevent identity theft. Public Wi-Fi is essentially for browsing information or streaming services; if you go to a café, use their network only for basic activities. When buying anything online, use a private connection or your phone’s signal.
Be Careful With Social Media Ads
Social media has many filters, but it sometimes can’t recognize what is fake and what is legit. If you see ads while scrolling through social media, make sure they come from a reputable resource. Most of these ads are from small businesses using marketing techniques, but some are fake accounts trying to get your attention with amazing deals.
Use Different Passwords
This is an essential tip for online shopping safety because it will prevent a source from entering your different accounts. You can download apps that allow you safely keep your passwords written so that you don’t forget which one belongs to which account. Most sites now require strong and complicated passwords for safety reasons. Keep them personal, lengthy, and don’t forget them!
