Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience

There are a million and one reasons to shop online. Most people do it because of the convenience that it provides. You can order your favorite household items with the dial of a button and have them delivered in less than 24 hours. This convenience could make some people fail to do due diligence which can be disastrous. You need to make sure that you’re shopping safely online. There are some tips that will come in handy when shopping online and some of them include:

Use Familiar and Trusted Websites

You might be lured with a great deal with free shipping included. Shopping on sites that you’re not familiar with could land you in trouble. Some of these sites are started with the sole purpose of stealing financial information. That is why it is recommended that you’re only buying from familiar websites to limit the chances of fraud. A website like Amazon might have everything you need but that is not the only familiar website that you can shop from. In these uncertain times, you need alternatives that are just as effective. A website like QBamboo can deliver all essential items at affordable rates.

Search for Lock

You should never shop from a website that doesn’t have SSL installed. This means that they don’t care about securing your financial information. Such a website could be leaving the data exposed to criminal elements. A website that is SSL encrypted will have the lock symbol on the right-hand side of the URL bar. Having SSL installed is standard for most websites, particularly those that deal with online transactions.

Never Overshare

You should only share information that is necessary for the transaction. There is no online shop that will ask for specific bank details. If you’re using a credit card, you will be required to share the card and number and not your bank account number. You should take note of the requirements whenever you’re shopping online. There are scammers out there that are always looking to steal people’s identities. That is why it is important that you’re shopping from a website that is trusted.

Check Statements Regularly

We live in a world of subscriptions. You could be paying for products that you don’t have a regular use for even without knowing. When you pay for the first time, the company could ask for your permission to be billed monthly. That is why it is important that you’re checking your monthly statements regularly so that you’re able to spot if something is amiss.  It also recommended that you’re using a credit card for any online purchase. The credit card should not be linked to your main bank account. This is because the account could be compromised once the hackers get access to your credit card. Whenever you suspect something unusual, you should call your bank immediately so that the matter is being investigated.

Only Use a Trusted Computer and Internet Connection

You can never know what has been installed on a foreign computer whenever you’re accessing critical information. The same goes for open Wi-Fi. You should only use an internet connection that you trust. Hackers are taking advantage of people’s obsession with free internet to set the traps. Once you join the network, the hacker will take control of your computer. They’re able to see all your saved passwords including those that you use to access the bank account.

Create Strong Passwords

Weak passwords are usually one of the main reasons that a lot of people get hacked. Your passwords need to be a combination of symbols so that it is not easy for hackers to guess. You should also change your password regularly so that you’re not susceptible to hacks.

Go the Mobile Route

To be safe when buying online, it is better that you’re using the official web applications for online retailers. They will be responsible should your account get compromised. When using web browsers, you’re never sure if it is the right URL because hackers have taken the whole phishing game to another level. It is also recommended that you’re using your phone to pay whenever possible so that you’re minimizing the risks of fraud.

Conclusion

Shopping online can only be a pleasant experience if your information is safe. You don’t want to be the victim of cybercrime just because you made yourself vulnerable. Make sure that you’re only buying from websites that are trusted so that you’re reducing the chances of fraud.