Are you planning to do some of your holiday shopping online this year? If so, you’re not alone. A recent report from Adobe Analytics predicts consumers will spend a record 100 billion dollars online this holiday season, a 13.8% increase from last year.
But if you’re one of the millions of Americans who plan to beat the crowds by shopping digitally this holiday season, it’s important to have your guard up. Unfortunately, this is a time of year where criminals are out to scam and steal from unsuspecting shoppers. Knowing how to securely shop online will help protect you, and your wallet, from cyber thieves.
Here are some tips for safe shopping:
• Be sure to use a secure web connection when making purchases. Any time you’re prompted to enter personal or financial information online, be sure your connection to the webpage is encrypted. One way to know whether you’re on an encrypted connection is to check the page URL in your browser’s address bar. A secure, encrypted page will usually have “https” in front of the URL. Most browsers will also highlight a secure connection by featuring an icon of a locked padlock in the left corner of the address bar.
• Whenever possible, stick with sites that are familiar and well-known. And if are considering shopping on a site you’ve never heard of before, do some research by typing the name of the company into a search engine to uncover any red flags like customer complaints or scam alerts.
• Beware of fake online store. Even if you’re looking to make a repeat purchase from a site you know is reputable, be sure you’re dealing with the “real thing.” It’s not uncommon for bogus sites to look just like the trusted sites you know and love. Sometimes, the site’s domain name is the only indicator that it’s a phony. For example, if you’re trying to buy something from Amazon.com, but notice that the page’s address bar reads “amazon-com.com”, you’ve likely stumbled upon a fake site. Poor grammar and spelling errors can also be an indicator that the website is not legitimate.
• Don’t use public computers or public Wi-Fi to make purchases or conduct banking transactions. There are fewer security protocols under such circumstances, which allow crooks easier access to your sensitive information.
• Keep your device’s security protection up-to-date. Make sure your computer or mobile device has the latest security software, operating system and web browser installed. These go a long way in defending against malware, viruses and other online threats.
• Keep a watchful eye on your financial accounts. Get in the habit of checking your credit card activity and bank accounts online at least once a week. If you discover any suspicious activity or unauthorized purchases, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
• Trust your gut. If an online deal seems too good to be true, chances are it is, especially if it’s with an obscure company. Likewise, if something about a website just doesn’t feel right, go with your instincts and use a website that you know you can trust.
The bottom line – don’t assume you’re safe while shopping online. Just because you can’t see the crooks doesn’t mean they’re not out there!
But if you’re one of the millions of Americans who plan to beat the crowds by shopping digitally this holiday season, it’s important to have your guard up. Unfortunately, this is a time of year where criminals are out to scam and steal from unsuspecting shoppers. Knowing how to securely shop online will help protect you, and your wallet, from cyber thieves.
Here are some tips for safe shopping:
• Be sure to use a secure web connection when making purchases. Any time you’re prompted to enter personal or financial information online, be sure your connection to the webpage is encrypted. One way to know whether you’re on an encrypted connection is to check the page URL in your browser’s address bar. A secure, encrypted page will usually have “https” in front of the URL. Most browsers will also highlight a secure connection by featuring an icon of a locked padlock in the left corner of the address bar.
• Whenever possible, stick with sites that are familiar and well-known. And if are considering shopping on a site you’ve never heard of before, do some research by typing the name of the company into a search engine to uncover any red flags like customer complaints or scam alerts.
• Beware of fake online store. Even if you’re looking to make a repeat purchase from a site you know is reputable, be sure you’re dealing with the “real thing.” It’s not uncommon for bogus sites to look just like the trusted sites you know and love. Sometimes, the site’s domain name is the only indicator that it’s a phony. For example, if you’re trying to buy something from Amazon.com, but notice that the page’s address bar reads “amazon-com.com”, you’ve likely stumbled upon a fake site. Poor grammar and spelling errors can also be an indicator that the website is not legitimate.
• Don’t use public computers or public Wi-Fi to make purchases or conduct banking transactions. There are fewer security protocols under such circumstances, which allow crooks easier access to your sensitive information.
• Keep your device’s security protection up-to-date. Make sure your computer or mobile device has the latest security software, operating system and web browser installed. These go a long way in defending against malware, viruses and other online threats.
• Keep a watchful eye on your financial accounts. Get in the habit of checking your credit card activity and bank accounts online at least once a week. If you discover any suspicious activity or unauthorized purchases, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
• Trust your gut. If an online deal seems too good to be true, chances are it is, especially if it’s with an obscure company. Likewise, if something about a website just doesn’t feel right, go with your instincts and use a website that you know you can trust.
The bottom line – don’t assume you’re safe while shopping online. Just because you can’t see the crooks doesn’t mean they’re not out there!