Essential Tips for Secure Online Shopping
With the holiday season around the corner, it’s a good time to refresh your online shopping safety habits. From identifying sketchy websites to recognizing scams that seem “too good to be true,” staying alert is key to avoiding fraud. Recently, the Better Business Bureau warned about a new “card declined” scam. Here’s how it works: after entering your card details for payment, an error message pops up, saying the card was declined and asking you to try a different one. If you call your bank, you may learn that you’ve been charged for much more than expected. To help you avoid scams like this, here are some important safety tips.
1. Shop Only on Reliable Websites
Search engines may lead you to fraudulent websites that can steal your data. It’s best to stick to well-known retailers like Amazon, Target, and Home Depot. Be cautious of websites with odd domain names, such as .io instead of .com, as these can be a sign of fraud.
2. Check for Security Indicators
Always check for a lock icon in the browser’s address bar, which shows the site is encrypted with SSL. If you don’t see it, don’t enter any sensitive information. Also, look for “https://” in the URL, which indicates a secure site.
3. Investigate the Seller
If you’re unfamiliar with a retailer, research them first. Use the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker or read reviews on Yelp and Google. Online reviews can sometimes be manipulated, so look for a working phone number or address for the company to verify their legitimacy.
4. Limit Personal Information
Retailers don’t need details like your birthday or social security number to complete a purchase. Only provide necessary information like payment and shipping details, and avoid sharing additional personal info that could be exploited by scammers.
5. Avoid Using Debit Cards Online
Credit cards or mobile payment apps are safer options since debit cards give scammers direct access to your bank account. Many credit card issuers limit your liability for unauthorized charges, while debit card fraud may take longer to resolve.
6. Use Mobile Payments in Stores
When shopping in-store, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay are generally more secure than credit cards. Mobile payments add an extra layer of security by verifying your identity.
7. Be Cautious with Gift Cards
When buying gift cards, it’s safer to purchase directly from the retailer rather than from third-party sites or exchanges, where you risk receiving cards with little to no funds. If you must use an exchange, choose one with a strong guarantee.
8. Stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi
If shopping online in a public place, use a reputable Wi-Fi network and consider a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
9. Use Security Tools
A password manager can help you create and securely store strong passwords, and antivirus software protects against malware. Using multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security to your accounts. Update all security apps regularly to stay protected from new threats.
10. Report Fraud if It Happens
If you get scammed, report the incident to the seller and relevant authorities like the FTC or your state’s attorney general. This will help warn others and, ideally, lead to action against the scammer.
If identity theft occurs, secure your accounts immediately and use an online safety checklist to maintain secure browsing habits. Staying informed and prepared will help keep you and your family safe during the holiday shopping season and beyond.
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