Here’s how to stay secure on the Web while searching for the perfect holiday gift.
Ever wonder how to avoid those holiday crowds while shopping for the best deals? Going online could be the answer. But how do you ensure you aren’t the victim of online fraud or identity theft while trying to find everything on your shopping list? We have some tips that will reduce your chances of being scammed this holiday season, or any time you shop online.
- Keep your computer or mobile device as secure as possible.
No matter what technology you use to shop online, make sure you keep your operating system, browser and retailer apps up to date. Install the most recent updates and run the latest antivirus software.
- Keep a separate computer or device for your kids.
You’ll reduce the chance of your “adult” computer or device (where you probably do your banking) becoming infected. If you can’t, simply set up separate accounts on your shared computer or device and ensure your kids do not have administrative privileges.
- Never use public Wi-Fi networks.
When you’re doing online shopping or banking, ensure you manage or can trust the network you are using. Don’t use the network at your local coffee shop or restaurant for these activities.
- Regularly review your credit card and bank statements.
Do it at least once a month to identify suspicious charges. In some cases, you can even set up text or other notifications for transactions on your card or account. You may also want to consider having a credit card that is used only for online purchases. If you have a question about a transaction, call your financial institution and ask about it.
- Consider using Apple Pay™, PayPal®, etc.
These and other similar services do not require you to give your credit card information to the retailer.
- Never click on suspicious hyperlinks.
Often disguised as shopping coupons or advertisements in an email, on social media sites, or in texts, these links may direct you to a bogus site. (One way to recognize a suspicious site is poor grammar and spelling.) Always directly go to the retailer’s site or app to get those offers.
- Verify the website’s contact information.
Make sure there is a real phone number or email address that you can use to speak to a human if you have questions about your purchase or product.
- Avoid sites with fishy deals.
If a site is offering significantly lower prices or sold-out products, those items are likely counterfeit or stolen. Worse, these sites may be a scam to get your money or credit card information.
- Check the domain name of the site.
You may shop at www.amazon.com on a regular basis, but if you come across a URL like www.shop.amazon.com, it’ most likely a fake site.
- Look at a site’s reviews.
Search the site’s name or URL in a search engine. If you see words like “scam,” “never again,” “avoid,” or “fake” associated with the site, that’s an indication that you should stay away from it and shop somewhere else. A lack of reviews about the site or company is also a red flag.
Remember, if something about the site appears off, take time to investigate. If you aren’t comfortable with the website for any reason, don’t use it. Instead, use well-known and trusted websites or sites you’ve successfully used before. Enjoy your online shopping this holiday season, and stay secure.
Ouch! Newsletter /November 2015