Online Shopping Done Safely

Tis the season of shopping! With a global pandemic even more of that shopping will be done online. Although we can’t prevent all fraud, these tips will help you have a safer online shopping experience this holiday season.

Are you familiar with the retailer?

Shopping directly from online retailers that you trust and have experience with will reduce your risk. Make sure the retailer has a physical address and phone number listed in case you need to contact them later. Avoid pop-ups that try to collect information from you.

Too good to be true deals

Did you find an incredible deal on Facebook, Instagram, or while browsing the Internet? Scams from social media and the Internet often lure in people with too good to be true prices or free stuff. Beware, these are more often than not a scam!

Is the website secure?

Before you make your purchase online look for that lock icon in your browser url bar that indicates the site is using SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption to protect your data.

Pay with your credit card!

If you can use your credit card for all online purchases. Why? Your credit card is not linked to your cash in your checking account, so if it is compromised you are not temporarily out of your hard earned cash. Do not worry if you have fraud on either your credit or debit card you are not liable for those funds and will be refunded.

Keep records of your purchase

Keep your digital records of the transaction in the event you need to dispute any further charges.

Monitor your account

By monitoring your account regularly you can spot fraud sooner and thus can engage in the process to get your money back. You should reach out to the retailer first and if you are not able to resolve the issue then contact us and we can start a dispute with the retailer.

References

Johansen, A. G. (2020, November 10). 15 tips for safe online shopping. LifeLock Official Site | Identity Theft Protection. https://www.lifelock.com/learn-internet-security-safe-online-shopping.html

Shopping online. (2020, June 16). Consumer Information. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online