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As online shopping grows, so do online scams. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal personal and financial information. Knowing how to spot scams and shop securely can help keep your money and data safe.
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7 Essential Tips for Safe Online Shopping As online shopping grows, so do online scams. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal personal and financial information. Knowing how to spot scams and shop securely can help keep your money and data safe. 1. Keep Your Security Software Updated Cyber threats are always changing. Keeping your computer, phone, and antivirus software updated helps protect against the latest scams and security risks. Most updates fix weaknesses that hackers try to exploit, so don’t ignore them. 2. Shop Only on Trusted Websites Stick to well-known websites and avoid unfamiliar ones that offer deals that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters create fake sites that look real, sometimes using small spelling changes in the URL. Always check that the website starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon in the address bar. 3. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Scammers use fake emails and ads to trick you into giving away personal information. Be cautious of emails or social media messages promising unbelievable discounts. If you’re unsure, visit the retailer’s website directly instead of clicking on links in emails. 4. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication Create unique passwords for shopping accounts, using a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for extra security. This way, even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without a second verification step. 5. Pay with a Credit Card Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If you get scammed, most credit card companies let you dispute the charge and get your money back. Digital payment services like PayPal also provide extra security. 6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in coffee shops or malls, are not secure. Hackers can intercept your data, including credit card details. If you must shop on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect your information.
7. Verify Deals Before Buying Scammers take advantage of shopping seasons like Black Friday to trick people with fake deals. If a discount looks too good to be true, it probably is. Research the seller, read reviews, and check the Better Business Bureau website to confirm a company’s legitimacy before purchasing.