How Do I Protect Myself While Shopping Online?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Shopping online can be convenient, but it's essential to take steps to protect yourself from potential scams and security threats. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to protect yourself while shopping online:

Use Secure Websites

Shop only from well-known and reputable websites. Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar to ensure the site is secure and encrypts your data.

Keep Your Device Secure

Ensure your computer or mobile device has up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed. Keep your operating system, browsers, and apps updated to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create strong, unique passwords for your online shopping accounts. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your shopping accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone.

Be Cautious with Emails and Links

Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails related to online shopping. Scammers often use phishing emails. Verify the sender's email address and look for signs of phishing, such as misspelled URLs or generic greetings.

Use a Secure Payment Method

Use secure payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or other reputable online payment services. They offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers. Consider using a virtual credit card or prepaid card for online purchases to limit your exposure.

Review the Seller

Research the seller's reputation and reviews before making a purchase, especially from lesser-known websites or sellers on online marketplaces. Look for contact information, a physical address, and customer service details on the seller's website.

Keep Records

Keep records of your online transactions, including order confirmations, receipts, and tracking information. Review your credit card or bank statements regularly to check for unauthorized charges.

Be Cautious with Personal Information

Limit the amount of personal information you share online. Provide only the necessary details for the purchase. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number or full address unless required for shipping.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Payments

Avoid making online payments while using public Wi-Fi networks. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

Check Return and Refund Policies

Read and understand the seller's return and refund policies before making a purchase. Be aware of any restocking fees or return shipping costs.

Watch Out for Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Be skeptical of deals that appear overly discounted or too good to be true. Scammers often use these tactics to lure shoppers.

Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.

Use a Reputable Online Marketplace

If shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay, check the seller's ratings and reviews. Stick to sellers with a positive track record.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels suspicious or if you encounter red flags while shopping online, trust your instincts and consider canceling the transaction or seeking assistance.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with online shopping and enjoy a safer and more secure shopping experience. Always stay vigilant and informed about online security threats and best practices.

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1. Introduction: How Do I Protect Myself While Shopping Online?

In this day and age, everyone shops online. It's just convenient. Add that to being unable to find many exclusive things nearby in a brick and mortar store, there really is no reason to avoid shopping online.

However, like with most online things, there are risks we take when we shop online. This guide will help you reduce those risks and let you buy that limited edition Monster Hunter PS4 set guilt free.

2. Security: Keeping Your Password Secure

Some precautions should be taken in order to keep your password secure.

Best practices:

Do not use a master password that you use everywhere (such as email, work, school, home, network)
If possible, do not share your password with anybody.
Passwords that are shared with others, like for a home network, should only be shared if necessary.
Be aware when typing your password in public, or that in no way anyone is watching.
Some types of electronic devices like computers and smartphones can remember passwords, so beware of devices that are not yours.
Make a schedule of when to change your password. For example, every 180 days.
It is not recommended to write down passwords. But if you have to, make sure that it is neither physically nor visually accessible by others.

3. Security: What is SSL?

Always use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase. Reputable websites use technologies such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) that encrypt data during transmission.

Look for the little padlock in the address bar and a URL that starts with https instead of http, as the s stands for secure.

Most browsers will tell you itâ€™s safe to give out your information by showing you a green address bar or a green padlock while unprotected ones will be highlighted in red.

For example:

4. Security: Using Secure Payments Methods

Only shop on sites that take secure payment methods and have well known security seals such as Verisign.

It's suggested that you use a credit card for online payments as they often won't hold you liable for fraudulent charges and are not tied to your bank account like a debit card. Check with your credit card company to see how you're protected.

You can tie your credit card to a Paypal account, adding another layer of protection as Paypal has additional buyer protections.

5. Security: Fake Ads and Phishing

The internet is full of people who would love to get your data. Fraud has become an industry and while shopping online you'll find any number of fake ads and forms just waiting for you to fall for them.

The use of fake ads or social engineering to gain your data for fraudulent purposes is known as phishing.

When inputting any data make sure you are using the legitimate site. Sites with the correct security will tell you in the browser bar. This may be a closed lock or just green text.

Avoid opening any emails from strange addresses or clicking on links within emails if you aren't aware exactly where they go. Phishing emails will never come from legitimate addresses.

Example of a Phishing emailamazon.com@freephish.com

If you receive an email claiming to have a good deal that you want to use, navigate to the website yourself and avoid clicking the link in the email. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Always remember that no legitimate company will ask you for your password in email.

6. Security: Keeping Yourself Safe

Tips for Safe Surfing and Shopping

Never shop from public Wi-Fi or a public computer. Publicly used computers can save your private information and it can be used by others.
Frequently scan your computer for malware using legitimate programs such as MalwareBytes or Ad-Aware.
Use difficult passwords.
Use a credit card with fraud protection

Exercise Caution When Using Your Phone

Be cautious of:

What websites you visit.
What you tap on while on websites.
Links and attachments in emails.
Granting 3rd party apps permissions.
Who you let use your phone.