by Lynn Truong

How to Safely Shop Online

More and more people are turning to online sources for their shopping needs, and during the holidays, the option to avoid the crowds and get offbeat, custom, and hard-to-find gifts is often irresistible. However, it's important to be aware that online thieves and scammers exist and are trying to steal from unsuspecting consumers. Thankfully, there are a few easy things we can do to avoid falling victim to them.

How to Make Sure Your Computer is Secure

The first thing you should do is make sure your computer is secure. That involves checking for any updates for your operating system, security software, and even your browser. You should have a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware program. These are all available for free online. Comodo, Avira, and Super AntiSpyware are popular, safe, and free programs. (Make sure you're downloading the free versions of each. They will try to suggest that you try their "trial" or other paid versions.)

It's best to avoid using public computers and public wireless connections whenever you are shopping online or accessing personal financial information.] It's best to avoid using public computers and public wireless connections whenever you are shopping online or accessing personal financial information.

How to Make Sure the Website is Secure

Only shop from stores that are reputable and have been rated. The site, at a minimum, should have a privacy policy that describes how they use your personal information, a returns policy, and contact info that displays their physical address and phone number.

During the order process, you should see a padlock or unbroken key icon on the status bar of your browser screen. You would also see on the address bar that the address begins with https rather than http. The “s” indicates that you're on a secure page, which means that any credit card information that is sent will be encrypted (and difficult for hackers to access). Do not enter your credit card or other sensitive information if you do not see these symbols on the site.

A Shopping Tip for Ebay and Etsy

If you are shopping on sites like Ebay or Etsy, always check the seller's ratings and feedback for past customer comments. Also, never agree to an off-site arrangement. For example, if an Ebay seller requests that you send payment directly to him without going through the buying process on Ebay, report the seller to Ebay. Always go through the formal process as instructed on the site.

What Payment Method Should You Use?

Credit cards offer the highest level of protection. You can dispute charges before paying and some issuers offer warranties on your purchases. If you use a check or debit card, the amount is usually already taken out of your account, and you'd have to fight to get it back. Whereas, if you see an unauthorized charge on your credit card, you can dispute it before having to pay for it first.

Check with your credit card company to see if they will give you a temporary account number to use for online purchases or a short period of time. You can also buy prepaid cards where there is a set amount of money on it, and if the account number were to fall into the wrong hands, they wouldn't be able to take you for more than the amount that's left on the card. 
Check with your credit card company to see if they will give you a temporary account number to use for online purchases or a short period of time. You can also buy prepaid cards where there is a set amount of money on it.

Make Sure to Track Your Purchases

Once you've made your purchases, keep track of them. Review your credit card statements to verify that the correct amount was deducted. Keep records of the order number and date of purchase. Check the order status to make sure it was shipped and properly delivered.

An Important Quick and Dirty Shopping Safety Tip

Never click on links in emails that ask you to "verify" a purchase or "confirm" your financial information. If you receive an email that requests sensitive information, and it looks like it's from a company or store you are affiliated with, go directly to the site by typing it in the address bar of your browser (rather than clicking on the link in the email) and contact them directly (via their contact form or look for their phone number) to ask if they really did need additional information from you.

How to Handle a Problem

If you encounter a problem, contact the seller directly. If that doesn't work, report them to the following:

  • the Attorney General's office in your state

  • your county or state consumer protection agency

  • the Better Business Bureau at: www.bbb.org

  • the Federal Trade Commission at: www.ftc.gov/

Dealista’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Getting More for Less is brought to you by Wise Bread, a personal finance blog that helps you live large on a small budget.
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