With the advancement of technology, online shopping has become increasingly popular, making life much easier. It’s a great place to compare prices, find the best bargains, and get products shipped straight to your front door from the comfort of your home. However, with such benefits comes the risk. So, it is important to be mindful of safety and get the best deals without falling victim to an online fraud.
So, if you are someone who loves to have their desired items of clothing, accessories, footwear, make-up products, and even furniture and groceries at your doorstep at just the click of a button, this article is just for you. Here are 5 tips to have a safe and secure online shopping experience:
Shop from trusted and familiar sites
Sales might look enticing on several websites, but always shop from websites that you know and trust. Don’t go on a shopping spree at any random website that sells cheap products, because that’s how scammers lure people into giving up their information. Read about the shopping store you are willing to purchase from and make sure it’s authentic or not. Search for websites that have a secure padlock icon in the address bar. This means that the website encrypts your personal information. Avoid shopping on websites that pop up uninvited, as these websites are often scams.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Create strong and unique passwords, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, for online shopping accounts. Avoid using personal information like your birthday or parent’s name in your password. Try using a two-factor authentication method. It adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
Avoid using debit cards
When possible, use a credit card for online purchases, as most credit cards offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards. Debit cards can often leak your financial details with fraudsters as they are linked to your bank account. You can also shop using a Mastercard Secure Code or Verified by Visa to save yourself from scams.
Don’t click on suspicious links
Do not splurge on a shopping spree as soon as you find a deal that seems too good to be true and comes in the form of links. Always double-check the validity of the website and find out the reason behind such huge discounts, as scammers often use fake deals to lure people in. Be especially cautious of deals that require you to pay upfront before you receive the product.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements
Regularly check your bank statements and credit card transactions for any unauthorised charges. Report it to your bank or debit/credit card company immediately if you see any suspicious activity.
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