- On
- 17 Jul 2023
- Reading time
- 2 minutes
Holidays typically spark a nationwide shopping frenzy and online platforms are no exception. With such a surge, it's essential to stay extra vigilant to prevent hook, line, and sinker scams. So, what questions usually lead the charge when seeking safety tips for online holiday shopping? "What are some reliable review sites?" "What precautionary measures should I take when shopping online?" "How can I tell if a site is safe and reputable?" "What are some of the red flags in online deals?" These are just a fraction of the information-hungry queries shoppers in the United States sling.
With the holiday season fast approaching, online shopping's convenience is undeniable. However, the surge in digital sentiments brings a rise in cyber threats too. But don't fret! We've rounded up seven critical online shopping safety tips to ensure your holiday preparations are worry-free.
1. Shop With Trusted Sellers
Go for well-established and reputed online sellers. A good reference is to check US-Reviews website where consumers share their experiences about different online shopping platforms. Reputable online shops value their customer's online security and adhere to best practices to ensure safe online transactions.
2. Look for Secure Connection
For an online transaction, ensure the site has a secure connection. Our advice? Always look at your browser's left side: if it has an "https" rather than just an "http", it is secure. The "s" stands for secure, signifying encrypted data – this keeps your personal, financial information safe.
3. Use Credit Cards Over Debit Cards
Credit cards offer greater buyer protection than debit cards. If something goes sour, credit card providers have policies in place that can partially or even fully refund the purchased amount.
4. Regularly Update Your Devices
Keep your computer, mobile, tablets, and other devices updated with the latest security patches and upgrades. Crowded online shopping times like the holidays are prime times for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in unsecured devices.
5. Be Aware of Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals are brilliant at creating emails that look like they’re from your favorite store. Before you know it, you've clicked on a link that downloads malicious software onto your computer. To avoid these, be wary of emails, and look carefully at the sender's email address.
6. Install a Reputable Security Suite
Just like you wouldn’t leave your house's door wide open, don't leave your devices unprotected. Installing reputable security software can help guard against online threats.
7. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Lastly, make sure you use complex and unique passwords. Avoid generic, easy-to-guess ones like "password123". Implementing a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols significantly enhances security.
To sum up, enjoy your holiday online shopping spree, but take our advice to heart. Make sure to keep these seven holiday online shopping safety tips handy. Remember, staying safe online is always better than spending the holidays trying to recover lost money or stolen identity.
