Safe and Savvy Online Shopping Tips

More people than ever are choosing to shop online for clothes, electronics, gifts and entertainment. What could be more convenient and fun than getting the items you need without ever leaving the comfort of your home? Before you buy, though, it’s important to take a moment to protect yourself and your family from online predators and identity thieves.

Only shop from a secure computer
Always run an up-to-date version of both an anti-virus and anti-spyware tool. These are simple to install and often update and run themselves automatically.

Examine Websites for Security
You should also examine the web address to see if it is a secure site. A web address that begins with 'https://' is secure whereas a site that begins with 'http://' is not necessarily secure. Note that the only difference between the two is the ‘s’.

Small security windows may appear the first time you enter a site. If a small window pops up in your web browser with a warning or message in it, read it carefully. Most web browsers warn users if they are entering or leaving a secure site. These messages can act as road signs for when to give out personal information online.

Only shop with sellers you “know”
Big name companies are usually your safest bet. Never heard of the store before? Search for reviews from other buyers and online critics. Steer clear if the seller doesn’t have a “brick and mortar” address or if you see lots of negative reviews.

Read the fine print
Review the site’s FAQ’s or privacy policy to know how safe your personal information will be. Find out how your order will be shipped, and how much it will cost. Don’t get overcharged! Most items can be sent via mail for a minimum fee.

Make sure it’s the real thing
Make sure what you’re buying is the real thing. An expensive or hard-to-find item at a very discounted cost could be damaged, modified or counterfeit.

Interested in reading about more ways to keep you safe on the Internet including how to prevent against online identity theft? Visit Check n’ Go’s Financial Security section for more information.