Carefully consider how much personal information you share when you shop online. 4. Since online shopping is becoming more prevalent, it’s becoming safer and safer to use your credit card for an online transaction. Beware of sites and apps that only accept money orders, wire transfers, or checks. CONNECT.™: Take security precautions, think about the consequences of your actions online and enjoy the conveniences of technology with peace of mind while you shop online. Since if you post something online, you won’t be able to delete it forever (for example, Twitter), so keep that in mind and check whatever you are about to post isn’t harming you or others. From the convenience of making purchases at your fingertips and next-day delivery to getting great deals and an the endless catalogue of purchasable items, online shopping has only grown in popularity. 10 tips to help you stay safe when shopping online. Tips to Help You Stay Secure Make sure your computer has appropriate security controls (firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and the latest security updates). Know your rights and the company’s returns policy. Did you spot an amazing product from a new seller? A recently discovered vulnerability could allow attackers to intercept sensitive data being transmitted between a Wi-Fi access point and a computer or mobile device, even if that data is encrypted. It’s always a good idea to review your account transactions online or go through monthly paper statements to see if anything looks questionable. How To Stay Safe Online. But to shop online safely, and protect your personal identity from malicious types, take heed of these online shopping safety tips. This includes library or airport PCs. There are many services you can use to pay for purchases – like Google Pay — without giving the merchant your credit card information directly. Be sure to continuously check your accounts for any unauthorized activity. And, hey, products are shipped right to your door (and with Amazon Key, even dropped inside your door, too). Clearly, many enjoy the benefits of online shopping. Good recordkeeping goes hand-in-hand with managing your cybersecurity. Luis Navarro’s top tips to stay safe online this Black Friday weekend: 1. Update your anti-virus software and anti-spyware programs. If you don't know who you're buying from or selling to online, do some research. All rights reserved. Online shopping risks are almost always possible to guard against. 7. Credit cards aren’t connected directly to your bank account like your debit card is, and their limits … Shopping apps tend to be a good way to stay safe online since, unlike a website, you only login once upon installation. Reputable websites use... Use a secure payment method. On a related note, keep your devices up to date by turning on “automatic updates.” This includes your Web browser and third-party add-ons, which could warn you if you land on suspicious websites. 5 top tips on buying online in a safe and secure way Stick with trusted brands that have a strong reputation. Never be the first to download a new shopping app. Make sure the website is secure. These are some really simple ways to shop safely online you can use every day: Research retailers online to make sure they’re legitimate. Examine a site for trust indicators. Digital timestamps on photos are also useful for this, especially if there’s no newspaper handy. So, what can you do about it? Always use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase. If the merchant is requesting more data than you feel comfortable sharing, cancel the transaction. Always use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase. 4 Steps to Stay Safe While Shopping Online. Even before it gets to that, you might be notified by your credit card company or bank if suspicious activity is detected. Halloween has come and gone, the calendar has changed to November and we all know what that means: Holiday Shopping! 15 Tips for Safer Online Shopping 1. Use your credit card versus your debit card. Another tip is to use gift cards, like many retailers offer, as a smart way to shop without providing any financial information. Look for well-known security labels such as DigiCert, VeriSign, and other seals. Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman. You only need to fill out required fields at checkout and you should not save your payment information in your profile. And never use the same password for all online shopping sites (or other Web activities, like online banking), as once someone guesses one password, they’ll have free reign over everything else. To Keep the Internet a safe and secure shopper starts with STOP protects your personal information shopping... 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