Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Online shopping has introduced a whole new concept of convenience: people can browse, compare prices, and purchase from the comfort of their homes. 

However, as easy as online shopping may seem, it’s imperative to remember that this convenience comes with its own set of dangers-from identity theft and counterfeit products to financial fraud. This means that personal information is at risk every time you engage in a transaction online. 

So, with cybercriminals constantly seeking ways to exploit vulnerabilities, we need to be more vigilant than ever. At My Computer Works, we are concerned about your online shopping safety, especially as the holidays are fast approaching and big shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are on the horizon. 

That’s why this guide discusses the risks of shopping online, online safety tips, and ways to identify scam sites.

The Risks of Online Shopping

There’s no denying that shopping online is more convenient than ever, especially considering the plethora of available online shopping experiences. However, with more opportunities comes more risks, and this is also true of online shopping. 

Some of the common online shopping risks that you might need to consider before checking out a basket or entering card information include the following:

• Identity theft: Hackers can easily catch online shoppers unaware and obtain their personal information, such as credit card numbers, addresses, and even Social Security numbers.
• Phishing scams: Fraudulent websites or e-mails may spoof a legitimate retailer and redirect you to enter sensitive information on a fake, look-alike website without your knowledge.
• Counterfeit products: Some websites exist to sell counterfeit items or steal payment details. In one situation, you’re receiving fake goods, and in the other, you’re getting nothing that you ordered and your payment information stolen. 

Luckily, awareness of these risks gives you a head start toward safe online shopping.

How to Shop Online Safely

Some general online cybersecurity tips that you can follow can go a long way in reducing your chances of falling prey to cybercrime. Here is a simple list to help you shop securely:

1. Use strong and different passwords for all online accounts. You should consider using a reputable password manager to help track your strong passwords since we know it can be difficult to remember every site’s login information.
2. Keep your device software updated. We recommend regularly updating the devices you use to shop online, whether that be your tablet, phone, or PC. By continuously updating, you eliminate bugs that hackers might use to access your personal online shopping details.
3. Avoid suspicious links. Never click on unsolicited mail or pop-up ads, and always type the URL of familiar websites into your browser. These emails and ads might advertise attractive shopping sales but are often scams. 
4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in all your online accounts. Two-factor authentication helps you double-check that you are buying from a reputable seller. In addition, two-factor authentication also protects you against hackers who have already accessed your online shopping information. 
5. Use trusted websites. When shopping online, stick with major retailers or do some research before buying from smaller sites. However, regardless of who you shop with, make sure they are trusted and offer verified payment options. 

Identifying Scam Sites and Securing Your Purchases

Knowing how to tell if a website is fraudulent is essential to avoid scams. Let’s have a look at what you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to scam websites: 

• Verifying the URL: You’ll want to make sure the URL starts with “HTTPS” and has the padlock icon, which shows that it encrypts your data and keeps it safe. 
• Check website design: Website design is also something to consider. A scam website often has a bad, improvised structure, several broken links, grammatical errors, and many other things that make it look unprofessional. 
• Price fact check: You should evaluate prices compared with other sites. If the deal appears too good to be true, it probably is. So, check on other sites to see if the pricing is comparable to competitors.
• Analyze reviews: Most importantly, read customer comments. A site with few or only extremely poor comments might be a bad sign. And don’t forget to check social media reviews, yelp reviews, and Trust Pilot. These sites can give you a good indicator of whether a site is reputable and trustworthy. 

Choosing Secure Payment Methods

When shopping online, the payment method can affect the degree of protection against fraud. Credit cards are often the safest option, offering strong fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges if anything goes wrong. 

Services like PayPal and other third-party payment processors also indicate a website takes its security seriously. So, look for these payment methods as these institutions act as intermediaries between you and an online seller reducing the amount of personal information shared. 

In addition, you can consider disposable virtual credit card numbers as a payment method. This is another way to shop online safely. Some banks offer these virtual credit card numbers, which can be created for one-time use. Moreover, it is best to avoid bank transfers since recovering the funds in case of fraud can be more difficult.

Avoiding Fraudulent Ads and Offers

Cybercriminals lure unsuspecting shoppers into scams through enticing ads and offers, targeting social media platforms with unbelievable deals, and filling email inboxes. If the offer seems too good to be true, it’s best to avoid them, as mentioned earlier. 

If the price is way lower than what you find on other reputable sites, that is likely a scam. To know that a deal is legit, always look for verification by the seller, such as badges indicating they are verified, customer reviews, and a professional web presence. 

Securing Your Wi-Fi Network While Shopping

Most people don’t pay much attention to protecting their home network. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi network connections are hackable, so you must keep them safe. It’s the first fundamental step in protecting your personal information when you shop online. 

If you’re protected, hackers can’t target your home router. To protect your Wi-Fi network, use a very strong and unique password; never leave the default password unchanged. You should also change it periodically to keep your network secure. 

In addition, if possible, turn on WPA3 encryption with your router. Once you do so, your connection will be safe from cybercriminals. 

Moreover, we recommend avoiding shopping on public Wi-Fi, which hackers target. Public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially at the local coffee shop or airport, are the petri dish for cybercriminals. If you must use public Wi-Fi, at least ensure it’s connected to a VPN to encrypt your data and protect your transactions. 

Red Flags: Too Good to Be True Deals

One of the clear-cut signs is that the offer seems too good to be true. Scammers give very low prices for high-end goods on-site, such as electronics or designer goods. To avoid falling into their trap, watch out for unrealistic discounts. Usually, if the price is miles below what you expect, approach cautiously. 

Additionally, be aware of suspicious calls for payment, especially those sites that insist on a wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and do your research before clicking the purchase button. Lastly, always trust your instincts; if it feels wrong, walk away.

Trusted and Reputable Sites for Shopping This Holiday Season

While this holiday season is approaching, the most important thing is to stick with safe online shopping sites that focus on protecting your personal information, including your payment information. Below are a few trusted online shops worth exploring: 

• Amazon: This online platform is known for its wide selection of goods. It also offers top-notch security measures, encrypted transactions, and robust buyer protection programs, including an A-to-Z Guarantee.
• Walmart: Walmart sells everything from groceries to electronics, and regardless of what you buy, you’ll be assured of secured pay gates and buyer protection policies.
• Etsy: This site specializes in handmade and vintage items. It uses verification systems for sellers and customers to ensure the safety of personal data collection.
• Zappos: Known for their impeccable customer service and safe, guaranteed payment methods, Zappos is a sure shot for shoes and clothes alike.
• Wayfair: With safe payment methods and assurance of quality customer service, Wayfair is trustworthy when purchasing home goods.

If the sites are less established than the ones we have listed, look for confirmation of legitimacy, such as a contact number, a physical address, and responsive customer service. 

The Wrap-Up On Safe Shopping Online

Now you know the risks of online shopping, how to shop safely, and how to identify scam sites. You also know why securing your Wi-Fi network is important if you shop online at home and why you should avoid shopping online in public places. 

Armed with this information and everything else we shared, you have a better chance of keeping yourself safe when you shop during these upcoming holidays and shopping events. 

However, if you want to err on the side of caution and ensure you’re shopping safely, you can speak with our team at My Computer Works. We can help you keep your personal information and payment details safe from hackers and scammers. Simply give us a call here, and we’ll tell you how we can help.