Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows purchase of goods or services from a seller over the internet using a web browser. It is a great way to compare costs, find deals, save money and effort from anywhere as long as there is internet connection. With more people picking the practice up, the risks have doubled. Learning the tricks on safe online shopping is more important now than previously.
Use well known websites.
This is the very first step. Go straight to a familiar site rather than using a search engine, especially if it’s your first time. Search engines can be rigged to lead you astray. The sales on fake sites usually look very exciting but beware, that is the trick to lay their hands on you.
Use your own personal computer and secure it.
Using a public computer to perform your shopping means you have no control over who may be using this community as well. The computer could also be infected with spyware or malware that you are unaware of. These things can put you at the risk of being ripped off in the purchasing process so only use your own computer. Make sure it’s updated anti-virus to keep off compromising malware.
Look for the security lock.
Never make any buy from a website that does not have SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption installed. The URL for a website without SSL begins with HTTP:// while a website with SSL begins with HTTPS:// . An icon of a padlock will also look either at the status bar or right alongside the URL from the address bar, depending upon your browser.
Set a strong password.
Every site requires you to set a password once you open an account with them, to uniquely identify you. A strong password has a combination of letters, numbers and symbols, and with some uppercase characters, too. Change passwords routinely, just if someone guesses them or if there is a data breach at an online retailer. Maybe, use a different password for all of the websites you shop at. When someone guesses one password, they will get free reign over everything else. If you are concerned you won’t remember, use password management app.
Do not say all of it.
Be keen on how much personal information you give when creating a purchase. Default from sites which ask too much if you must. This information may be used by hackers to hack and trace your individual accounts.
Honestly, there’s every reason in the world to store online. The bargains are there. The selection is mind-blowing. The shopping is secure and returns are fairly simple, in case its necessary. If you adhere to these few but important online shopping tips, you’ll realize your shopping experience has never been this easy and more convenient.