Create long and unique passphrases for all accounts and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Clearly, many enjoy the benefits of online shopping. How To Stay Safe Online. Some have been found to contain “malware” (malicious software) that can also infect a mobile device, while others ask you to log in with Facebook credentials to lift personal data. Reputable websites use... Use a secure payment method. Be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete your transaction. Since if you post something online, you won’t be able to delete it forever (for example, Twitter), so keep that in mind and check whatever you are about to post isn’t harming you or others. Shop with reputable retailers. Many opt for a passphrase instead of a password, which is typically a long sequence of strung-together words, but perhaps with a number and symbol in there, too. Watch out for scams. Did you spot an amazing product from a new seller? Here's how to protect yourself. Examine a site for trust indicators. Be sure you’re downloading the legitimate app by getting it from the company’s official website or, if downloading from an app store directly, check to see it’s been around for a few years and has high ratings from many users. Planning to get a head start on your holiday shopping this year? The basics of safe online shopping have remained fairly consistent in the past decade-plus, but it’s always a good idea to refresh yourself and ensure that you’re following all the best practices. Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. Here are a few tips to help: 1. For example, the sentence “My dog Eddie has a birthday May 15!” could be used to create a passphrase like “Md3habM15!”. 5 top tips on buying online in a safe and secure way Stick with trusted brands that have a strong reputation. As more people take advantage of shopping online, it is increasingly important to keep the internet a safe place for transactions. On a related note, keep your devices up to date by turning on “automatic updates.” This includes your Web browser and third-party add-ons, which could warn you if you land on suspicious websites. Good recordkeeping goes hand-in-hand with managing your cybersecurity. But to shop online safely, and protect your personal identity from malicious types, take heed of these online shopping safety tips. If you’re interacting with brands on social media, make sure they’re “verified,” with the little blue checkmark by their profile, which means the company is legit. Also, don't forget about the No. All rights reserved. Online shopping: top tips to stay safe and shop smart 1. These are online shoppers. 1 tip about shopping: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You can always ask a question of a seller and reputable ones will reply in a timely manner. If the account autosaves it, after the purchase go in and delete the stored payment details. Credit cards aren’t connected directly to your bank account like your debit card is, and their limits … As a general … Or, you can use a third party payment service instead of your credit card. There are many services you can use to pay for purchases – like Google Pay — without giving the merchant your credit card information directly. Look for the little padlock in the address bar or a URL that starts with “https” instead of “http,” as the “s” stands for “secure.” Some browsers will tell you it’s safe to give out your credit card by showing you a green address bar, while unprotected ones will be highlighted in red. More: 4 tips as shoppers start planning holiday toy shopping, More: 5 scams that are fooling even the smartest victims. In an era where more hackers roam the world wide web than ever before, how can consumers stay safe when shopping online? Update your anti-virus software and anti-spyware programs. And remember, if you do get hacked, the Fair Credit Billing Act offers protection against online scams, limiting your liability. These are some really simple ways to shop safely online you can use every day: Research retailers online to make sure they’re legitimate. It’s best to shop directly with online retailers you know and trust. While the dangers are real, safe shopping online is within everyone’s grasp, but only if you take precautions and shop online safely. This is an educational category with over 60 articles. They’re trying to lure you to click a link in the email, which takes you to an authentic-looking website, and fool you into typing in information. In other words, you won’t be held liable for fraudulent charges. Phishing Scams. Do your homework on any business you’ve... 3. Online shoppers are looking for tips for online shopping. So, what can you do about it? Also, when shopping online, leave your debit card in you wallet and use a credit card instead. Here are four things you need to know to stay safe while shopping online. A guide for consumers: staying safe when you bank or shop online (web) PDF , 270KB , 10 pages This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. More: Fake apps, fraud take joy out of holiday shopping. Online shopping risks are almost always possible to guard against. 4 Steps to Stay Safe While Shopping Online. Know your rights and the company’s returns policy. We advise extreme caution if you see any deals advertised on … Wi-Fi devices have a security flaw. And never use the same password for all online shopping sites (or other Web activities, like online banking), as once someone guesses one password, they’ll have free reign over everything else. Since online shopping is becoming more prevalent, it’s becoming safer and safer to use your credit card for an online transaction. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or public computers when shopping online. The Dangers of Online Shopping and How to Stay Safe [Video/Infographic] December 27, 2018 This past Cyber Monday, consumers spent nearly $8 billion online, with over 54% of purchases made directly from smartphones. Bookmark your... 2. How to Stay Safe When Shopping Online Here are some tips for buying online that will help you avoid and warn from the above risks when shopping online. Copyright © 2021 Stay Safe Online — NCSA. If you’re making purchases online, make sure you’re taking these steps every time. investigation found thousands of Amazon sellers offering free... 2. Halloween has come and gone, the calendar has changed to November and we all know what that means: Holiday Shopping! When on marketplaces like eBay, check the seller’s reputation and read comments before buying a product to see what the experience was like for past customers. The National Retail Federation predicts online retail will grow 8%-12% in 2017, up to three times higher than the growth rate of total retail sales. Sticking with popular brands is as good as any advice when... Use credit cards and secure payment services instead of debit cards. 7. You don’t want to give cybercriminals a direct line to your back account. Stay ahead of online scammers and identity thieves by using these tips to help secure your personal information while shopping online. Similar to “phishing” emails that look like they’re from legitimate stores, these counterfeit apps — complete with an authentic-looking logo and marketing messaging — want your credit card information to steal your identity. Help you stay safe and secure way Stick with trusted brands that have a strong reputation Internet a and! Payment details be from a new shopping app MFA ) wherever possible machine: Keep a clean machine: a. 4 tips as shoppers start planning holiday toy shopping, more: 5 that... 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