Online shopping is convenient, fast, and often cheaper than going to a physical store. However, it also comes with some risks, such as identity theft, fraud, phishing, malware, and more. According to the FBI, in 2022, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received reports from almost 12,000 victims reporting non-payment or non-delivery scams, with losses adding up to over $73 million1.
To protect yourself and your money from online shopping scams, you need to follow some best practices and tips. In this blog post, we will share with you 10 safety tips to shop online securely and avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime.
10 Safety Tips for Online Shopping
- Use a VPN to shop online securely. A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making you anonymous and secure online. A VPN can help you shop online safely by preventing hackers, advertisers, and ISPs from tracking your online activity and stealing your personal information. A VPN can also help you access geo-restricted websites and get better deals online. You can use a VPN on any device, such as your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. To use a VPN, you need to download and install a VPN app, choose a server location, and connect to the VPN. You can then browse and shop online as usual, but with an extra layer of security and privacy. Here is a list of some of the best VPNs for online shopping.
- Use a password manager. A password manager is a tool that generates, stores, and fills in your passwords for different online accounts. A password manager can help you shop online safely by creating strong and unique passwords for each website you visit, and by protecting your passwords from hackers and phishing attacks. A password manager can also help you save time and hassle by logging you in automatically to your online accounts. You can use a password manager on any device, such as your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. To use a password manager, you need to download and install a password manager app, create a master password, and add your online accounts to the app. You can then use the app to generate, store, and fill in your passwords for online shopping. Here is a list of some of the best password managers for online shopping.
- Use a good antivirus. An antivirus is a software that protects your device from viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats. An antivirus can help you shop online safely by scanning your device for any infections, blocking any suspicious downloads or attachments, and warning you of any phishing or fraudulent websites. An antivirus can also help you optimize your device performance and speed by removing any junk files or unwanted programs. You can use an antivirus on any device, such as your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. To use an antivirus, you need to download and install an antivirus app, update it regularly, and run scans on your device. You can then browse and shop online with confidence, knowing that your device is protected. Here is a list of some of the best antivirus software for online shopping.
- Use strong passwords. A strong password is a password that is long, complex, and random, and that is different for each online account you have. A strong password can help you shop online safely by preventing hackers from guessing or cracking your password, and by reducing the risk of your account being compromised if one of your passwords is leaked or stolen. A strong password should have at least 12 characters, and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using any personal information, such as your name, birthday, or pet’s name, in your password. You can use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for you, or you can create your own passwords using some tricks, such as using a passphrase, a mnemonic, or a keyboard pattern. Here is a guide on how to create strong passwords for online shopping.
- Don’t online shop on public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are wireless networks that are available in public places, such as cafes, hotels, airports, or libraries. Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they are also insecure, as anyone can access them and monitor your online activity. If you shop online on a public Wi-Fi network, you could expose your personal information, such as your credit card number, to hackers, scammers, or identity thieves. To avoid this, you should avoid online shopping on public Wi-Fi networks, or use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. You should also turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you are not using them, and avoid connecting to any unknown or unsecured networks. Here is a guide on how to stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks.