Online shopping is convenient and easy, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal people's money and personal information, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself.
Here are some tips for safe shopping online and avoiding cybersecurity scams:
Shop only on secure websites. Look for the "https://" at the beginning of the website address and a padlock icon in the address bar. This means that the website is using secure encryption to protect your data.
Use a credit card or payment service. Credit cards offer more fraud protection than debit cards. If your credit card information is stolen, you can dispute the charges and you won't be liable for the money lost. Payment services like PayPal also offer fraud protection.
Beware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or websites that try to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number. Scammers often send emails that look like they're from legitimate companies, such as banks or credit card companies. Be careful about clicking on links in emails and never enter your personal information on a website unless you're sure it's secure.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Create strong passwords for all of your online accounts and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.
Keep your software up to date. Make sure your operating system, web browser, and security software are all up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from known vulnerabilities.
Here are some additional tips for avoiding online scams:
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If you see a product or service being offered at a much lower price than anywhere else, it's probably a scam.
Research the seller before you buy. If you're buying from a website or seller that you're not familiar with, take some time to research them. Read online reviews and see if there are any complaints against them.
Don't give out personal information unnecessarily. Only give out your personal information to websites and sellers that you trust. Avoid giving out your Social Security number unless it's absolutely necessary.
Be careful about what information you share on social media. Scammers can use the information you share on social media to target you with scams. Be careful about who you connect with and what information you post.
If you think you may have been a victim of an online scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency. You can also contact the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.