Online shopping provides many advantages over the traditional street retail. You get instant access to the widest variety of products and services at the click of a button. There is no need to go outside when all of you shopping can be done lounging on a plush couch in comfy pajamas, sipping your favorite drink. Safe online shopping saves tremendous amount of time and energy.
Even though billions of dollars are spent online every year, there are some potential risks related to online shopping that you need to be mindful of to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Below is a useful infographic with tips on how to shop safely online.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping
Obviously our goal is not to scare and discourage you from shopping online. Our goal is to educate and empower consumers. Follow these basic guidelines to shop online with confidence.
The last tip is very important. I’ve had this happen to me personally, when someone acquired my credit card data and went on a shopping spree at a Target store in the Bronx (I don’t even live in the Bronx). I received a text message from the bank asking to confirm my purchases. I let them know that I was at work and didn’t just purchase a new PlayStation. They blocked my card and cancelled all the fraudulent transactions. I didn’t even pay any fees.
Make sure to check credit and debit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges. Don’t wait for the end of the month bill or a statement from the bank.
Most online transactions these days are much safer than they were when the Internet just got started. However, if you feel like you’ve been scammed or see unauthorized transactions on your credit card statements, call your bank or credit card company immediately!
