Are you planning to shop online for your family and friends this holiday season? If so, it’s still crucial to be aware that, despite the ease and convenience of online shopping, if you’re not cautious, online fraudsters and scammers could ruin your holiday spirit. Therefore, follow these tips to shop safely online and prevent the Grinch from taking your personal data!

1. Shop only on trusted sources

These days, retailers have their own websites or online stores where you can shop. Therefore, instead of clicking on a random link, get the known URL of your trusted stores and enter it into the address box. If they have apps, ensure you downloaded them from a trusted source, such as Google Play, or the Apple App Store.

When you download an app, it might request a variety of “permissions”. Read carefully, rather than simply clicking yes. When an app asks for your contact or banking information, consider if you actually need to provide it.

2. Check products’ customer reviews and ratings

When it comes to online shopping, expectations and reality can frequently differ. Some common issues include product size, product fit, and poor service. To avoid these issues, read customer reviews, proof of transactions_, and ratings. Not sure what to look for in reviews? Here are some tips that may be helpful:

• Look for reviews that outline the pros and cons of a product.
• Check for consistent feedback from various reviews. If a large number of customers complain about the same problem or appreciate the same feature, it’s probably a good sign of the product’s quality.
• Search for reviews that contain photographs or unboxing videos. You can see the item’s quality from the perspective of another customer.
• Beware of products with excessively high ratings or templated reviews, as this is a classic red flag for an inauthentic offer. Genuine products typically have a mix of reviews. But, if you believe an offer is real, conduct some additional check-ins, such as checking on reviewer profiles to ensure that they are legitimate accounts.

3. Ensure you have a secure network connection

Did you know that public Wi-Fis are prone to hacking and exposing users’ passwords, billing information, and sensitive personal data? If not, now is the moment to restrict your use of public internet connections when buying online! When using public Wi-Fis, it’s recommended to stick to window shopping and price comparisons rather than actual buying. If you have to make a purchase while on the go, use your data connection on your mobile device or a private hotspot network.

4. Be careful of pop-up offers and deals

During the holiday season, seasonal sales offers, deals, and coupon codes are rampant. So, before clicking on links or opening attachments, even if they’re from people you know, or from legitimate companies or retailers, always think before you click! It could be a phishing or ransom scheme, potentially stealing your personal and financial data. If you wish to verify the deal’s validity, enter the URL directly into your browser or visit the website to confirm instead. Be careful when reading emails and never click on links immediately.

5. Pay safely and keep an eye on your bank accounts!

When shopping online, it’s encouraged to use credit cards as they offer stronger fraud protection, and in case they are stolen, you can dispute the charge easily, request a refund, and cancel your cards. Debit cards, on the other hand, are complex to use. If your debit cards are compromised, hackers can quickly empty your bank accounts, making recovery difficult.

As you pay safely, track your transactions and keep an eye out on your bank statements to be sure nothing unusual is happening. If you notice any strange activities on your bank accounts, report them immediately. Reviewing your online account settings on a regular basis and changing your passwords frequently using unique combinations are also smart tricks to protect your finances.

This year, more people are shopping for the holidays online, and cyberthreats have emerged as the Grinch, preying on innocent shoppers. Thus, consider the tips provided above so you can navigate the online shopping landscape with security and confidence. Let’s take pleasure in our online scrolls and clicks while discovering the key to a happy and safe shopping experience. Have an awesome holiday season!