Shopping online has become normal to most people, and while online stores are making sure they provide security to their customers, it is always a smart move to become proactive when shopping online.
However, as many people shift towards this shopping trend, fraud and or identity theft rates has also increased. So, the next time you shop online, make sure to be proactive by following these 7 steps:
Look for HTTPS
The first thing to remember is to only shop at online stores that are secured. When you visit a website, look for HTTPS at the beginning of its URL. HTTPS website means they are encrypted, enabling you to purchase and enter your personal and credit card information without the risk of being hacked.
Enter unique username and password
For each time you create an account in every online store you shop with, make sure that you don’t use the same username and password. Create a unique username and password for each. Why? Imagine this, you shop at 5 different stores with the same username and password, when a hacker hacks one of these stores, they now have access to the other accounts.
Your Social Security number is not needed
Any online store will never require a social security number to complete a purchase so always remember, if a store will require your social security number, THAT’S DEFINITELY A FRAUD!
Avoid using public WI-FIs when shopping
Hackers love free Wi-Fis because they can easily hack and access other people’s devices. Public Wi-Fis don’t usually encrypt data, so you are more vulnerable to hackers.
Look out for fake promotional emails
Many hackers today are sending fake promotional emails usually offering big discounts. Their aim is for you to click on the link they provide in the email. Make sure that before you click on any links inside the email, check the details of the email. Make sure it’s from your legit online store.
Avoid deals that are too good to be true
Too good to be true deals are most of the time scams. So, don’t easily fall into these traps. If you see these deals advertised on the websites you visit, don’t click the ad directly. Instead, visit the website of the store in the ad to verify the deals.
Be in the know
Make sure that you turn on notifications on your mobile phone about your credit card activity. This will keep you in the know of your credit card’s activity and if something is not right in your notifications then you will be notified right away and be able to take action.
Follow these proactive steps and don’t fall into the hacker’s trap. You may only shop at legit and secure stores but it is always good to have extra steps in protecting your personal and credit card information online especially when online shopping.