The shopping fever is in the full swing. Whether you join the shopping wars or not make sure to stay safe while shopping online. Although there is no 100% fail-proof way to protect yourself, here are few tips on how to protect yourself while shopping on-line.
Public Wi-Fi
Try no to use public Wi-Fi (public wireless network) while shopping on-line. Those usually are available for free in restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls, etc. You don’t know who is using those networks when you are and you don’t know how secured they are. If you can’t use your own home Wi-Fi then the second best thing is to use your mobile internet connection (the one you have access to on your smartphone). And while using your own private Wi-Fi (the one you have at home) make sure that it is protected by a strong password.
Http vs. Https
Make sure that at the checkout (the webpage where you do the payment), make sure the webpage address starts with “https” (you might see a padlock icon next to the www address). That “s” stands for secure and it means that your information (the personal information you have to provide to finish the payment) i’ts going to encrypted.
Use PayPal
or similar on-line payment services. This way you are going to keep your bank account/credit card information more secure and not directly available to the retailer. Those days many on-line shops accept an on-line payment services. IF you would like to use that option then you have to create PayPal account.
Debit card vs. credit card
If your debit card got hacked, your checking account would be “cleared out”. It’s safer to use credit card. Call your bank for more information regarding debit vs. credit cards and shopping on-line. Btw. some credit card carriers allow two-step-authentication process which means that after submitting your payment information, you will receive an email or text message with a temporary code. That temporary code allows you to complete the purchase.
Gift cards or pre-paid debit cards
Another option that might works for you. First you buy gift card or pre-paid debit card and then easily you can use it while shopping on-line. Just in case you need to return the item keep the gift card/pre-paid debit card after you made the purchase. When you buy a gift card ask the cashier at the store to activate the card right away. Save the receipt in case there is a issue with the gift card.
Use well established on-line stores
It doesn’t mean those website are 100% safe or not but some of them might offer additional safety features (e.g.: two-step-authentication) and when comes down to smaller on-line retailers you can always contact them in case you have any additional questions. And let’s not forget to check reviews on-line.
Many people are doing shopping on-line, especially during the holiday season. It’s easy and quick but at the same time if you are not careful it might cost you a lot of money and stress. So before you start (or continue) shopping on-line make sure to stay alert and safe as much as possible.