Anyone can fall victim to an online scam, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to protect yourself. Even though the proposed Online Safety Bill is set to remove harmful material online, keeping your data secure is a priority.
We’ve listed a few of our top tips to help you stay safe online – whether you’re shopping for groceries, designer clothes, or booking your next big adventure.
How to shop securely online?
1. Check whether the website is secure
Before doing anything else, ensure you’re only using safe websites.
The fastest way to check is by ensuring you can see ‘https’ at the start of the URL. The ‘s’ stands for secure, indicating that you have a stable connection. But don’t solely rely on this method; your details might still be discoverable through a secure site.
We recommend that you install software with in-built malware removal capabilities. Never proceed if you’re unsure about the credibility of the site you’re using.
2. Know how to spot suspicious emails
Unfortunately, email scams are one of the most common forms of cybercrime.
Phishing attacks are those where fraudsters might send convincing messages over email, social media, or text. These scams aim to convince people to give money or their personal details by clicking a link. They do this by posing as a known business or individual.
Some scams even target victims by pretending to be their family members. Over 700,000 people across England and Wales clicked on a link in a phishing scam. Of those who clicked, 11% offered their personal details too.
Look out for unexpected emails – especially those with an urgent message.
3. Use websites you know
Shopping online can sometimes point you to retailers you’ve not heard of before. It might feel tempting to snap up a bargain you’ve spotted on a different site. But it’s important to make sure it’s from a legitimate retailer.
Pay close attention to the URL. Online criminals can impersonate well-known sites by making subtle changes to the names of brands.
You should familiarise yourself with the websites you use. If they suddenly look different or you can’t find a website, ask someone you trust to have a look.
4. Use credit cards for online payments
If you have a credit card, using it for online shopping could help protect you if your details get stolen.
Debit cards link up to current accounts, so you’ll be putting your balance at risk when you use them online. Credit cards, meanwhile, make it much easier to flag and report suspicious behaviour.
Once your credit card provider is aware of a scam, they should block the transaction quickly. This way, you can avoid getting billed for it.
Keeping safe online takes proactive effort. If you have any doubts about shopping online safely, ask someone to help you find the best resources.