Important Reminders about Online Shopping
While the convenience of online shopping is just about unbeatable, the potential risks are also high. Here’s a quick refresher on how to protect your personal information—and your money—when you’re browsing for Internet deals.
- You’re in charge. Keep this in mind whenever you shop online: nobody but you is responsible for keeping your information secure. So make sure you take the steps necessary to keep your money and identity safe.
- Know what to look for. Safe shopping sites have certain security features you can see at a glance. Look for a URL that begins with https, especially during the checkout process; the s stands for secure. Also check for Better Business Bureau ratings.
- Be wary of links and advertisements. Keep in mind that, with the click of a button, you can leave a secure site for one with no security features. So whenever you click on a link, check the site’s setup. Further, if a site is cluttered with ads and pop-ups, proceed with caution: this suggests that the site makes more money from advertisements than from product sales and you should think twice before providing your credit card information.
- Read the fine print. User agreements may seem like a waste of time to read, but agreeing to them is akin to signing a paper contract—so take time to at least skim through. Treat especially long agreements and those for free products or services with extra caution, as they may hide unpleasant fees or requirements.
- Embrace what you know. If you or someone you trust has successfully shopped on a certain site in the past without problems, try to replicate the experience. You can also look for online merchants that use PayPal or Google Checkout, and check third-party customer review sites.
- Protect your machine. Consider investing in anti-virus software and scanning your computer for viruses and spyware regularly. Update software when prompted to do so. Some viruses can record keystrokes and send your personal data around the globe. You may even want to reserve shopping for times when you’ve just completed a virus scan and/or update.
- Shop around. Even secure, legitimate web sites could charge you a too-high price for something you want to buy. And if you pay that price without researching what other retailers are offering, you’re the only one at fault. Treat online shopping as you would any other type, and make sure you’re getting the best deal you can.
Remember: identity theft and related crimes are all too common these days, so be vigilant about protecting your information and money when shopping online!
Additional Resources
Preventing Identity Theft: A Guide for Consumers (PDF)
Online Identity Theft (PDF)
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