Be Safe While Shopping Online
While convenient, online shopping can post risks to your identity and financial security. Here are some tips for a much safer experience:
Make sure your browser is updated: Most internet browsers will pop up with a notification that a newer version is out. Make sure to download and install it ASAP.
Install anti-virus and malware protection, and make sure it’s updated: Hopefully you already have an anti-virus program running. If you do not, stop right here and grab Microsoft Security Essentials before doing anything else! Other programs such as Super Anti-Spyware and Malwarebytes are purely scanners, but are helpful if you think you’re infected with a virus. The great thing is that all of these programs are free!
With mobile apps, stick with what you know: Mobile viruses and malware are exponentially becoming a problem. Only use programs that you know and get them from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store and Google Play. Never make purchases over public, unsecured WiFi.
Make sure the padlock symbol is on the address bar: Also make sure the URL has “https://” instead of “http://” in the address.
Purchase from reputable sellers: This goes for both the website you choose and with a particular seller, such as a third-party seller on Amazon or ebay. You can always check out a company through a store ratings website such as resellerratings.com.
Keep the information you give out at a minimum: If at all possible, just enter in the required information to order a product. Phone numbers are sometimes optional, for example. Be careful of sites that are looking for way too much or unneeded information such as your Social Security Number.
Don’t send your credit card number over email: Don’t even send passwords through email. Legitimate online stores won’t ask for these things over email, but rather over a secure web page (look for that padlock!).
When possible, use online payment sites: Sites such as PayPal, PaySimple, V.me, and MasterPass offer to let you pay on retailers websites without having you put in your credit card number. They keep your credit card information secure so you only have to put it in once and secured with them.
Your rights as a consumer: Credit card purchases in the US are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act which will limit the responsibility you have for fraudulent charges to $50. If you need to file with them, visit this Federal Trade Commission page to get a form that you’ll have to send out to the retailer. Make sure to do this within 60 days and get a receipt that proves they received the letter. Many credit card companies will also cover against fraudulent charges.
Being (virtual) street smart: When a deal is way too good to be true, it probably is. Some shady online retailers that throw ridiculous sales will even make you sign up for their site before allowing you to purchase, only to tell you afterwards that it’s sold out. What they gained is your name, address, email, and whatever other information that you gave them. What you didn’t know is they had a total of 3 of those products at that priced… Also pay attention to how a seller treats you when asking them questions or if they are pressuring you into giving them more information that you should be putting down. When in doubt, save your sanity and go with a known retailer.