Online and mobile shopping is more popular than ever and as the holidays approach, scammers are on the prowl even more than usual. Whether you’re shopping for last minute gifts or just looking for something for yourself, taking precautions is even more important than ever. Here are ten tips for keeping your credit and identity safe while shopping with your phone or computer:
- Use safe payment options – instead of using your debit card, use your credit card as it is easier to dispute charges and the freezing of the account won’t be as debilitating as a debit card account. Alternatively, use a well-known payment option like PayPal to keep your money safe. As a bonus, PayPal can be pre-loaded with cash so you can be sure not to overspend on last-minute purchases.
- Get a virtual number – Some banks offer virtual one-time-use card numbers that are linked to your account. This way, even if the number is stolen, the hacker will not be able to use your card. If your bank doesn’t offer this, try using the “MaskMe” browser extension.
- Stick with sites you trust – Online shopping is a bit more risky than going to a physical store, so only use stores that you’re familiar with. And make sure before you enter any payment information that the URL begins with “https” for a secure connection. If you have doubts, look elsewhere.
- Stay away from public networks – Don’t enter any personal information when on public wifi networks, as it is not as secure as your personal network connection at home. If the wifi doesn’t have a password, then avoid using it for confidential things like making purchases.
- Leave a paper trail – Print out receipts for EVERYTHING you purchase online and keep them all in a folder. This way you have concrete proof of your purchase and you can keep track of when packages are supposed to arrive and what should be in them. Also, this will help you dispute any fraudulent charges.
- Protect your personal information – Pay attention when you’re filling in personal information to check out or make an account on a website. Don’t include any information that isn’t required (usually denoted with a red * ) and be sure that the company has a need for that information before just handing it over.
- Update your antivirus/browser – Make sure your mobile or computer antivirus is up to date, as well as the browser you’re using. Don’t have antivirus on your phone? Check out this list of our top mobile protection apps!
- Beware email promotions – It is incredibly easy for spammers to create and send legitimiate-looking ads in emails, so don’t ever click or respond to email promotions you receive. Instead, go to the company website–the deal should be advertised on their site as well. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use the apps – Generally when purchasing products via your mobile phone, using the app for the company is going to be more secure than your mobile browser. Whenever possible, download and use their app for transactions and make sure they email you a copy of your receipt to print.
- Disconnect – When you’re done with your shopping, exit your browser application and close all tabs to be sure that your information is wiped. This will go a long way to ensure that hackers don’t have the opportunity to access to your device.
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