Online Shopping Warning Signs and Safety Tips
Shopping in person can sometimes feel like a full-time job. You drive from store to store, search for parking, stand in long lines and still may not find what you need.
That is why online shopping has become the easier option for many people. With a few clicks, you can compare prices, find gifts and have everything delivered directly to your door. But convenience can also come with risks.
Fake websites, phishing messages, payment scams and fraudulent advertisements often increase during the holiday season, when shoppers are moving quickly and looking for the best deals. Before entering your personal or financial information online, take a moment to make sure the website—and the offer—is legitimate.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be cautious when a deal seems unusually cheap or too good to be true. Scammers often use extremely low prices to pressure shoppers into making quick purchases.
LOOK OUT FOR:
- Misspelled website addresses or unfamiliar domain names
- Websites with poor grammar, blurry images, or copied product descriptions
- Sellers demanding payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
- Unexpected emails or text messages claiming there is a problem with your order
- Messages urging you to click a link immediately to avoid losing a package or discount
- Online stores with no contact information, return policy or customer service details
- Social media advertisements from companies with little or no verifiable history
🛍 Online Shopping Safety Tips
Shop From Trusted Websites
Purchase from retailers you recognize whenever possible. When trying a new store, search for independent customer reviews and check whether the company has a legitimate address, phone number and return policy.
Do not rely only on reviews posted directly on the store’s website, as those may be edited or fabricated.
Avoid Suspicious Links and Attachments
Do not open attachments or click links in unexpected emails, direct messages, or text messages.
Scammers may pretend to be well-known retailers, delivery companies or financial institutions. Instead of clicking the link, open your browser and visit the company’s official website directly.
Check the Website Address
Before entering payment information, confirm that the website address is spelled correctly and begins with https.
The padlock symbol can indicate that the connection is encrypted, but it does not automatically mean the business itself is trustworthy. You should still research unfamiliar sellers.
Use a Credit Card or Secure Digital Wallet
Credit cards generally provide stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Secure payment services and digital wallets can also reduce the amount of financial information shared directly with a retailer.
Avoid sending payments through gift cards, bank transfers or payment methods that do not offer purchase protection.
Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks in airports, restaurants, malls and hotels may not be secure.
Wait until you are connected to a trusted private network, switch to your cellular data, or use a reputable virtual private network, commonly known as a VPN, before entering passwords or financial information.
Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Do not use the same password for every shopping account.
Create long, unique passwords and use a trusted password manager to store them securely. Turn on two-factor authentication whenever it is available for added protection.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Install security and software updates on your phone, tablet, and computer. Updates often fix weaknesses that scammers and hackers may attempt to exploit.
Use reputable security software and make sure it remains active and updated.
Monitor Your Accounts
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly, especially after making several online purchases.
Report unfamiliar transactions immediately. The sooner suspicious activity is reported, the easier it may be to prevent additional charges.
Be Careful With Delivery Messages
Package delivery scams are common during busy shopping periods. You may receive a message claiming that your delivery was delayed, your address needs to be updated, or an additional fee must be paid.
Do not click the message. Visit the retailer's or delivery company’s official website and enter your tracking number.
Protect Your Children and Connected Devices
Use parental controls to monitor children’s online activity and prevent unauthorized purchases.
Secure smart devices, webcams and home Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords. Change any default passwords that came with the device and keep its software updated.
Save Receipts and Order Confirmations
Keep digital copies of receipts, confirmation emails, tracking numbers and seller communications until your purchase has arrived and you are satisfied with it.
This information can be helpful if you need to dispute a charge, request a refund or report a fraudulent seller.
Slow down before clicking unfamiliar links, research new retailers and protect your payment information. A few extra minutes of caution can prevent financial loss, identity theft and an online shopping experience you will regret.
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