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Making online purchases in the modern day quick, easy and incredibly convenient. But how do you know if your transactions are safe or not? Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you take precautions, prevent your data from being stolen and stop your cash from being pinched.
Shop only on trusted websites
When shopping online, look for secure, reputable websites that you’ve heard of and already trust. Check the website's security certificate and ensure that the URL begins with "https" instead of "http" to ensure that your information is being transmitted securely.
Use a trusted search engine or an online shopping portal to find popular and reputable retail websites. For SaaS products, only download software from the official website of the product vendor.
Use a strong and unique password
Use a unique, strong password for each account and never reuse passwords. Strong passwords are typically at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and manage strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a secondary form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account.
Use a secure payment method
When making purchases online, use a secure payment method such as a credit card or a payment service like PayPal. Credit cards offer fraud protection, and payment services like PayPal provide additional layers of security by acting as an intermediary between you and the seller. Whether you are buying a T-shirt, selling on eBay or gambling online, PayPal is a reliable service you can trust. In fact, you should look for the best online casinos that accept PayPal as a first port of call when looking to bet.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
When making purchases online, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks as they are often unsecured and can put your personal information at risk. Instead, use a trusted and secure network, such as your home Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Check for secure checkout
Before entering any personal or payment information, ensure that the website has a secure checkout process. Look for a padlock icon or "https" in the website address to confirm that the checkout process is secure.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software
Install antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to protect them from malware, viruses, and other threats that could compromise your personal information.
Read the reviews
Read reviews from other customers before making a purchase. Reviews can provide valuable information about the quality of the product or service, the reliability of the seller, and the security of the checkout process.
Be wary of phishing scams
Phishing scams are designed to trick you into giving away your personal information by posing as a legitimate business or organization. Be wary of emails or messages asking for personal information or prompting you to click on a link. Always verify the authenticity of the message before responding or clicking on any links.
Don't overshare personal information
When making purchases online, only provide the necessary information required to complete the transaction. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your social security number or date of birth, unless it is absolutely necessary.
Monitor your accounts
Regularly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.
Broadly speaking, making safe online purchases requires a combination of caution, common sense, and good security practices. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams, fraud, or identity theft.
