5 safety measures to protect yourself when shopping online
Katrina Foster is a finance expert with Choosi. In this piece she explains a range of simple measures everyone should be taking when shopping online.
It’s no secret that shopping online has revolutionised the way we spend our money. At the click of a button we can order our groceries, buy new clothes or subscribe to a service. Technology has made online transactions a part of the everyday life for consumers and in most cases it’s positive. In fact, research by Choosi and CoreData found more than 70 per cent of Australians agree that these types of conveniences have made life easier. But the leaps and bounds that have made shopping a breeze can also be a double-edged sword. When it comes to shopping online there are some key points to make sure you don’t end up out of pocket. Read on for our top tips to protect your privacy.
1. Don’t click on unfamiliar links
If you shop online regularly it’s only a matter of time before you come face to face with an unfamiliar link. It may be sent to your email address or via your social channels and may contain information sourced from your social feeds so it seems familiar. If you’ve been shopping online for a new pair of boots it may advertise a link to “Boots Sale - 50% off!” These links are used by hackers to access your information once you click through.
2. Look for the SSL padlock
Shopping online can seem daunting at first so it’s hardly surprising that 85.8 per cent of Australians recently said they were concerned about online security and privacy. If you are going to start purchasing online regularly then it’s important to know what to look for. The SSL padlock - or Secure Sockets Layer - is a small padlock image that will appear in the browser address bar before any purchase. This lets you know that you’re on a secure website which can help protect your information.
3. Don’t store card details on a website
Many websites will offer you the option of storing your card details online so next time you shop with them the transaction process is smoother. While it may seem convenient this leaves you vulnerable and exposed if their network is hacked.
4. Be scam savvy
One of the most common ways privacy is compromised online is when consumers fall victim to scams. We’re talking emails that promise you a large inheritance or deals that sound too good to be true. Research found that more than half of respondents are careful about posting personal information on social media1. The best way to avoid being sucked into a scam is to remember a few crucial rules. Trust your gut instinct. If something doesn’t feel above board, then it probably isn’t. Also, never give your credit card details out via email, no institutions (banks, companies, websites) will ever ask for credit card details in this manner.
5. Use trusted websites and brands
In many ways shopping online is actually similar to shopping in the real world. If you always go to the same butcher to get your favourite cut of meat, apply that same philosophy to online consuming. Go for recognised websites like eBay and Amazon or return to vendors that you’ve had successful dealings with in the past.
What measures do you take to protect yourself when shopping online?
For more information you can visit the Choosi blog here.
This article is for general information only. You should seek formal financial advice on your specific circumstances.