Online shopping offers the convenience of browsing and purchasing items from anywhere, at any time. Online shopping allows people to avoid the crowds, and shop in a more relaxed environment. With significant increase in online activities, safe online shopping is crucial to protect your personal and financial information from cyber threats.
Here are some pointers to make sure you have a safe and secure online buying experience:
Make purchases from reputable websites
Remain loyal to reputable and well-known online retailers in which you have faith. Perform investigation prior to making a purchase on a website that you are unfamiliar with.
Look for the padlock symbol
Check for a padlock symbol in the address bar or “https://” in the website URL. This indicates that the website is secure for making transactions.
Read reviews and ratings
Before making a purchase, read reviews and ratings from other customers. This can give you insights into the product’s quality and the reliability of the seller.
Trust your instincts
Trust your intuition if a deal appears too good to be true or if a website appears unprofessional. Caution should be exercised in order to avoid potential fraud.
Beware of phishing emails
Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from a retailer. Avoid clicking on links in these messages, as they could be phishing attempts.
Use strong passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for your online shopping accounts. Consider using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or names. Also consider using short sentences as passwords. They are easy to remember and difficult to crack.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
It is advisable to implement two-factor authentication for online shopping accounts whenever feasible. By necessitating a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device, this feature enhances security.
Review statements regularly
Regularly review your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution promptly.
Be cautious with personal information
Provide personal information only when it is required to complete a purchase. Exercise prudence when dealing with websites that request information beyond what is essential for the transaction, and refrain from disclosing excessive details.
Educate yourself about online scams
Stay informed about common online shopping scams, such as fake websites, counterfeit products or misleading advertisements. Knowledge is a powerful tool in protecting yourself from potential threats.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with online shopping and enjoy a safer and more secure experience. Remember, these are general tips, and it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and use your best judgment when shopping online. If you have any doubts, take the time to investigate further or seek advice from friends and family.
Ben is the CEO, Cyberteq Falcon Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
