As individuals are urged to stay at home and keep social distance in order to limit the spread of Covid-19, shopping online is practical and secure. Online shopping is enjoyable since it allows one to compare prices on things without ever leaving the comfort of their house, obtain the greatest deal, and have packages delivered directly to their door. But it’s important to remember that finding a good bargain online entails more than just purchasing the goods at the cheapest possible price.
Consumers and merchants aren’t the only ones expanding their online operations, so it’s important to ensure that the products are of the anticipated quality, arrive on time, carry the right guarantee, are easy to return, and are, above all, safe to use. Additionally, it serves as a smorgasbord for cybercriminals who use it to fabricate websites and phony online stores in order to steal credit card information and take advantage of people’s goodwill and anxiety.
Following are 6 factors shoppers should consider when purchasing online:
Pay Attention To Network
When you’re not at home, pay attention to the network. Always be aware of which Wi-Fi you are using. Public or free Wi-Fi is quite alluring, but you should always think twice before purchasing on that network since it could have been set up by a thief to steal your personal information. As a result, one should attempt to refrain from purchasing online when on a free network. Never use a public computer for online shopping and secure yourself by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which establishes an encrypted tunnel between the server and your computer.
Pick Your Apps Wisely
Many phony websites and applications imitate different e-commerce sites in an effort to capitalize on the curiosity of users. Always double-check the permissions you provide an app before you install it. When giving an app access to your photos, camera, contacts, microphone, and keystrokes, use caution and good judgment since they will be able to capture the information from your credit card.
Beware of Amazing Deals
Avoid clicking on websites that advertise outrageous discounts or prices. They are typically designed to take your money or collect your personal data. Therefore, always keep in mind that if you come across an offer that seems too good to be true, it usually isn’t. Additionally, constantly check costs before making a purchase since if you come across a website or app with extremely cheap prices, it might be a warning sign.
Be Wary of Unknown Apps
During times of crisis, when there is a high demand for oxygen cylinders, facemasks, medical supplies, and other items, many fraudulent websites and apps have emerged. As a result, even if an app or website seems reliable, you should first confirm that the company is real and that it actually provides the product you want to purchase. If you’re unsure if a banner in an email or on a social networking site is real, avoid clicking on it. Make careful to linger over the banner and check the link before clicking so that you can see the complete address. If the link appears odd or suspicious, do not click. Additionally, always look at the rating.
Secure Payment Transaction
Make sure the app or website you are using to complete your transaction only accepts payments through secure payment gateways. Additionally, you should regularly review your bank account statement to search for irregular activities. Make sure you contact both the firm and your bank to highlight the issue if the money is taken out but the order is not placed.
Surf Wisely and Safely
When visiting a new website, always make sure the URL begins with “HTTPS” rather than just “HTTP,” and check for a lock icon in the browser bar to indicate that the site is using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. Continually update and secure your gadgets with antivirus software. A secure website is set up to hide user data, particularly passwords and financial information. If you decide to proceed and make a purchase from such a website, there is a great likelihood that your personal data may be compromised.
