Online Shopping Protection – Learn About the Basics

Online shopping is one of the most convenient ways to shop but it also comes with a lot of risks especially if you do not know about online shopping protection. When doing online shopping, you need to protect yourself from fraud, scams, identity theft, and many other threats that may arise from connecting to the internet.

But what is online shopping protection and how does that protect you from all these threats? Online shopping protection protects you from all of these threats by identifying them in certain situations. It also helps that you know what might happen if you are exposed to these kinds of situations so you know what to do.

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If you want to learn more about online shopping protection, check out the article below.

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Understanding Online Shopping Protection

Online shopping is very simple to do. You purchase a product online and it gets delivered to your address but what many people do not know is that by doing such a simple transaction, you are also giving away many of your personal and private details.

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This information includes your name, home address, phone number, credit card number, and many other information. You are giving away your identity on the internet and this can be a prime target for many people who want to harm.

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Identity theft is already rampant and it is a breeding ground for many on the internet. Keep yourself protected when you shop online by understanding how these things happen and why they happen in the first place.

In 2019 alone, the FBI has managed to register more than 1,300 online fraud complaints that have reached $3.5 billion in damages to both the individual and the companies involved. Avoid becoming the next victim and learn what online shopping protection is all about.

Importance of Online Shopping Protection

Online shopping protection is one of the most critical aspects of online businesses. It is up to the website that provides business to its consumers to protect them when they shop at the website. While it may still be their responsibility, consumers should also learn the importance of online shopping protection from their perspective.

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As a consumer, you are giving away all of your personal and financial information and as such, it is also our responsibility to protect ourselves. Online shopping protection prevents you from being the next victim of identity theft, fraud, and other threats.

These online activities are always monitored and to continue to enjoy these comforts of technology, we must take online shopping protection to heart.

What are the Things That You Can Do

When it comes to protecting yourself during online shopping, there are a lot of things that you can do. The steps that you’re about to partake in are mostly behavioral adjustments when doing online shopping.

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It may be difficult to do at first but when you practice these precautionary measures, you will surely have a better and more secure time with your online shopping experience. First, you need to avoid sharing unnecessary information on the internet.

Many online shopping retailers do not need your Social Security Number or your business phone number. They only require several pieces of information such as your name, address, and credit card details and that’s usually it.

If a website needs you to submit your Social Security Number, this is a major red flag and you should avoid this online store at all costs.

Check the Address – look for the lock

Online shopping websites need to be secured and the best way to identify that the website has done its own set of security is by checking for the padlock icon found at the address bar. This padlock icon means that the website uses a URL that offers better security for its guests.

Many browsers nowadays require websites to have such features on their websites, especially online shopping sites. Google Chrome flags any page that does not pass this requirement so you know that you have a better security feature with the website that you’re visiting.

If you don’t see the padlock icon before the website’s URL, try to check other websites instead just to be safe.

Take Advantage of Digital Wallets

In this modern age, you can now pay using your mobile phone instead of just using your card. Many digital wallets today allow you to link your credit card that you can then use to pay for your online transactions.

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These digital wallets use encryption and many of them have authentication codes that you can only use once. This makes it difficult if not impossible to ever steal and use your information.

These codes are also sent to you via text so you can enter them yourself. Digital wallets also have a myriad of security features that protect your account so instead of entering your credit card information directly on the website, use your digital wallet instead for that extra layer of protection.

Make Sure to Use Strong Passwords

Another good way to prevent yourself from falling victim to these online threats is by using strong passwords and updating them regularly.

Passwords that have numbers and symbols are considered as strong passwords but make sure that you also remember them.

Use numbers that are significant to you that no other person knows about. This way, you have a more personalized password to protect your account online.

Use Popular Shopping Websites

There are a lot of reasons why online shopping websites are becoming more popular today.

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Some are the go-to websites for online shopping for many reasons like fast shipping, reliable service, and more but what many people do not know is that these popular shopping websites are popular for a reason – they protect you from online threats.

These websites have worked on their security features to protect their customers from these online threats. You barely even read on reviews that their site is festered with scams and sketchy ads. If you have to look for shopping websites, go with the popular ones.

Try to Avoid Shopping Online in Public

Try to avoid shopping online, especially in public. Don’t go shopping when you’re at a coffee shop or restaurant while connected to public WiFi.

This is where most hackers are usually waiting for their prey and someone can just look at your screen or take a photo of your screen as you enter your credit card credentials.

Wait until you get home and connect to your private network where it is much safer for you to shop online.

Conclusion

Online shopping should be a fun and stress-relieving experience so be sure that you’re also doing your part in protecting your private information. Follow the tips mentioned above for online shopping protection and you will surely have a better experience.