Online shopping can make life easier. You can buy groceries, gifts, household items, clothing, and more without leaving home.
But shopping online also means you need to be careful. Some websites, emails, ads, and sellers may try to trick people into sharing personal or payment information.
This guide explains simple steps you can take to shop online more safely.
Credit: This lesson is based on information from Cyber-Seniors at CyberSeniors.org.
Common Online Shopping Risks
Identity Theft
Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, address, credit card number, or account login details. They may use it to make purchases or open accounts in your name.
Fake Online Stores
Some scam websites are made to look like real stores. They may use familiar logos, copied photos, or very low prices to make you trust them.
Unsafe Websites
A website should protect the information you enter, such as your name, address, and payment details. If a website is not secure, your information may be easier for criminals to steal.
Data Breaches
A data breach happens when criminals break into a company’s computer system and steal customer information.
Fake Reviews
Some reviews are written to make a product look better than it really is. Be careful when all the reviews sound the same, are extremely positive, or do not give useful details.
Phishing and Pop-Ups
Phishing means a scammer tries to trick you into clicking a link or giving away private information. This may happen through email, text messages, pop-up ads, or fake websites.
Safe Online Shopping Practices
1. Use Websites You Trust
Try to shop from stores you already know. Well-known retailers are usually safer than unfamiliar websites.
Be extra careful when buying from third-party sellers. These are individual sellers or smaller businesses that sell through larger websites.
Before buying, ask yourself:
“Do I recognize this store?”
“Does this seller have a good history?”
“Does anything about this deal seem suspicious?”
2. Check That the Website Is Secure
Look at the website address near the top of your screen.
A safer website usually begins with https:// and may show a small padlock symbol.
The padlock does not guarantee that a website is honest, but it is still an important safety sign. Avoid entering payment information on websites that do not look secure.
Also be cautious if the website has:
misspelled words, broken links, strange web addresses, poor design, or prices that seem far too low.
3. Research the Seller
Before buying from a company you do not know, take a few minutes to check it.
You can search for the company name along with words like:
“reviews”
“complaints”
“scam”
“return policy”
You can also check the Better Business Bureau, often called the BBB, to see whether others have reported problems.
4. Read Product Reviews Carefully
Reviews can be helpful, but not all reviews are real.
Be cautious when reviews are very short, sound generic, or all seem overly positive. It is a good idea to compare reviews on more than one website when possible.
A useful review often explains what the buyer liked, what they did not like, and how the product worked in real life.
5. Compare Prices
It is wise to compare prices before buying.
A very low price can be tempting, but it can also be a warning sign. If a deal seems too good to be true, pause before buying.
You can compare prices by checking other major stores or using shopping comparison tools such as Google Shopping.
6. Read the Return and Privacy Policies
Before you buy, look for the return policy.
Check:
how long you have to return the item, whether return shipping is free, whether you can get a refund, and whether there are any restocking fees.
Also look for a privacy policy. A privacy policy explains how the company handles your personal information.
Payment Safety Tips
Use a Credit Card When Possible
Credit cards often offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If someone makes an unauthorized charge, it may be easier to dispute the charge with a credit card.
Avoid Saving Your Payment Information
Some websites ask if you want to save your card for next time. This may be convenient, but it can add risk.
For better safety, choose not to save your card information in your browser or shopping account.
Use Strong Passwords
A strong password helps protect your account.
Try to use at least 10 characters, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like birthdays, pet names, or “password123.”
Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is the free internet you may find in places like coffee shops, airports, hotels, or libraries.
It is safer to avoid entering payment information while using public Wi-Fi. Shop from your home internet connection or use your phone’s cellular data instead.
How to Watch for Fraud
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Look for charges you do not recognize.
If you see something suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company right away.
You should also change your password if you think one of your accounts has been hacked or exposed in a data breach.
Where to Report Online Shopping Scams
In the United States, you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
In Canada, you can report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
You may also contact local law enforcement if you believe you were scammed.
Final Thought
Online shopping can be helpful and convenient, but it is worth taking a few extra minutes to protect yourself.
Before you buy, check the website, research the seller, use a safer payment method, and watch your accounts for suspicious charges.
A careful pause before clicking “Buy” can help keep your money and personal information safer.
Need More Help?
For more information, contact us at 763-335-9255 or visit www.bouncebacksolutions.com
Credit: Original lesson guide information provided by Cyber-Seniors at cyberseniors.org
