I’ll admit it – I’m a shopping addict. But the last place you’ll see me, if I can help it, is at a shopping mall or retail store. I’m an online shopper and greatly prefer it for its convenience, ability to provide endless options and the freedom it allows me to browse and comparison shop. But online shopping is not without its risks. There are several landmines when shopping on the Web that you don’t have to worry about with an actual storefront.
Protect yourself from these risks and enjoy your online shopping experience by following these seven tips:
If you’re going to enter your personal information and credit card numbers over the Internet, it’s important to make sure the Website you’re shopping on is taking measures to protect that data. There are several ways to check if a Website is secure:
Photo by Andres Rueda via Flickr
The safest way to pay for purchases online is with a credit card. If you don’t receive an item you ordered or are unsatisfied with it, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company if you’ve made a good faith attempt to resolve the dispute with the seller. Or if someone makes an unauthorized charge on your credit card, your responsibility is limited to $50.
Some credit cards offer other perks and warranties too that make it a smart tool in your online shopping arsenal. You won’t get these protections if you pay by cash or check. There are some debit cards that offer similar protections as credit cards, so if you prefer using debit, make sure these protections are in place before you shop with it.
Some thieves use a tactic known as phishing to obtain your personal information. Phishing is when someone pretends to be a company, financial institution or government body and sends you an email requesting your personal information. Sometimes, the email will direct you to an official-looking website, where it will ask you for your personal details.
Phishing is a scam and is one of the leading causes of identity theft. That’s why it’s important to go directly to a Website yourself when shopping online and not from links in an email. Or if you do click on a link in a familiar email, make sure you recognize the Web address of the site to which you’re directed before you hand over your personal info.
Photo by San Jose Library via Flickr
When you enter personal information on a public computer, you’re putting yourself at risk for identity theft. Hackers can easily break into unsecured networks and steal information. In addition, many computers save personal information entered into a form as a convenience. This might be convenient at home on your personal computer, but it’s a big risk on a public computer. If you have the urge to splurge, wait until you get home to do it.
You may have to fork over personal information like your address, phone number and credit card number to purchase something online, but you should not give out your Social Security Number (SSN). Identity thieves can use your SSN to apply for credit in your name and commit other forms of fraud that will cause a major headache for you.
A Social Security Number is unnecessary for just about all purchases anyway, including financial products like credit reports. If a company requires your SSN to buy something, find another site that doesn’t and go with them. Your identity will thank you.
Another way to reduce your vulnerability against hackers and identity thieves online is to install software updates – particularly for your Web browser – as soon as they become available. Many of these updates will protect your computer against the latest viruses and other known problems that can leave your personal information open to theft.
This tip isn’t about security, rather getting the best deal. Before you finalize any purchase online, always check online coupon sites, such as ours, RetailMeNot, or FatWallet first. These sites house countless coupons and promotional codes that you can legitimately use when purchasing items online to get a discount, free shipping or other helpful perks. Make visiting these sites part of your shopping experience and you’ll enjoy big savings.
Online shopping is meant to be quick, easy and convenient. Keep it that way by exercising a touch of caution and using other online tools to make the most of your shopping experience.
I usually try clothes on at a physical store, then research and order offline to save money. This way you don’t have to worry about the clothes not fitting correctly.
Just be careful with the sites and you are familiar with the company, you don’t want to run into a scam.
My 7 secrets are: resist, resist, resist, resist, resist, resist, resist that impulse buy. Only buy what you absolutely can’t live without.
Thank you. My great-great-grandmother appreciates these tips.
When making purchases online always check your browser’s address bar and ensure that it displays an HTTPS not just the usual HTTP
The extra (S) means there is an extra security layer which keeps your credit card’s sensitive data secure.
Ann-Marie:
I have another tip to add to your list. While more of a payment tool, many people find layaway to be a smart way to shop online. It allows you to pay over a fixed period of time without finance charges. So all the items you want (and need!) are within reach.
Happy shopping,
Deanna (on behalf of Kmart)
Using coupons is my way to save money online. I already proved it many times and it really works.