8 Tips for Safe Online Shopping

December 13, 2022
Quadro communications blog post 8 tips for safe online shopping scam holidays christmas internet tool safety security issues ecommerce surfing internet special gifts family retail websites mobile apps mobility fibre optics high speed home phone

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the internet is a wonderful tool that gives us access to everything and anything but with it comes possible online safety and security issues when online shopping.

So, in the spirit of giving, we’re giving you 8 tips for staying safe while you shop online for those special gifts for your family and friends.

  1. Buy from recognizable and reputable retailers. Major online retailers help ensure a safe online shopping experience. Stick with big-name stores and avoid third-party sellers. Be wary of dream deals. Lower prices are enticing, but if it sounds too good to be true it usually is.
  2. Choose stores that use secure websites. Look for a little lock icon in the top left corner of your browser bar when you’re on the site. A secure site’s URL with HTTPS and not HTTP. Secure sites help shield you from hackers.
  3. Scrutinize the details of any online store you’re unfamiliar with. Scammers set up fake online stores to collect your credit card number or other personal information.
  4. Use safe payment services (PayPal, credit card, etc.) Most credit card companies have $0 fraud liability policies, which means you won’t be on the hook for fraudulent charges. Plus, unlike using your debit card, a hacker can’t access your bank account with a stolen credit card.
  5. Never store your credit card details with an online store. It may seem convenient to store your credit card details for future purchases but hackers often target these systems to steal your financial information. Limit the amount of personal information you use on websites.
  6. Create strong, secure passwords and use a password manager. Protect your account with a strong password. A password manager can generate secure passwords, store them, and autofill them when you want to shop. It can also save your payment information safely and securely.
  7. Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN. Public Wi-Fi connections are often unencrypted and unsecured, leaving you vulnerable to a scammer grabbing your personal and private information.
  8. Use official shopping apps whenever possible. Large retailers often have their own mobile apps. If you’re shopping on a mobile device, these apps can be a much safer alternative to visiting their website.

Make sure the only thing you’re worried about when shopping online is getting the best deal and delivery date.

Follow these tips and make good choices, stay alert and safe this holiday season.