Safe Online Holiday Shopping Tips
by Frank Jovine on 11/16/2009 in Security, Security Info & Tips
Tis the season for cyber-criminals to start making big money at your expense. Online shopping can lead to a number of risks, such as; viruses, spam and phishing attacks. These risks can be severe, and could result in identity thief. All the Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware software in the world can’t protect you 100%. You are your best defense!
Cyber Monday, which falls on November 30th this year, is one of the busiest days for online shopping. I recommend that you follow the tips below before you start your holiday shopping.
Tips for online shoppers
- Know your Merchant: It’s important to know the name or reputation of any company you’re dealing with.
- Protect your privacy: Know what information the merchant is collecting about you, how it will be used, and if they share it with others. Check their privacy statement.
- Don’t use a mobile device when shopping online: Use your desktop PC and not your mobile device when you shop online. Your desktop browser is more secure.
- Make sure your software is updated: Keep your security software updated as well as your operating system.
- Beware of social network scams: Social network sites are becoming a growing target for fraudsters and virus authors. Be cautious before clicking on a link that a friend is sharing with you.
- If it looks too good, it’s probably bad: Be cautious of special offers from unfamiliar sites. Fake online offers and coupons may lead to harmful sites, so be suspicious.
- When in doubt go out: If you don’t feel safe with online purchases, visit your local retailer.
If you decide not to shop online and prefer to shop at your favorite merchant, please be aware of your surroundings. You should always keep your personal items (credit cards, cash, etc) out of public view.
Happy and safe shopping to all!
BunnygotBlog
Nov 16th, 2009
I’m a New Yorker,so some paranoia comes with the territory.lol
You have certainly given some very important information here, Frank.
YOU SO ROCK!
Frank J
Nov 16th, 2009
Bunny,
I am also a City boy from New York (40 years) and I can relate to what your saying. We NY’ers are sharp, but we could be fooled if the presentation looks real. It’s best to do your homework and stick with what you know.
BunnygotBlog
Nov 16th, 2009
This is so true.I will be careful.
BadEvan
Nov 16th, 2009
Great advice Frank! If payments can’t be made with PayPal, then I always use a prepaid credit card when shopping online. With Paypal there there is always a way to get your funds back if cheated or scammed. With a prepaid credit card, all they can get is the amount on the card. the Prepaid card isn’t attached to a bank account.
Also, with Paypal the “merchant” never knows your account information. All they know is where and how to ship your item
Frank J
Nov 16th, 2009
Evan,
Great tips! You’re right with Paypal, but most credit card companies provide fraud protection as well. I never thought about prepaid credit cards though. That’s a great idea!
Joanie
Nov 21st, 2009
I’d also add to be sure that the site is secure when you enter credit card information onlne. Be sure that you see https:\\ and not just http:\\ in the url when you’re ordering. That ensures that your information is secure.
Great tips! I’m a big online shopper during the holidays. It’s a great way to get things done and avoid the flu.
Frank J
Nov 22nd, 2009
Joanie,
I always check to see if they have an SSL certificate before forking over my credit card.