Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Many people shop online these days, many of them, of course, worry about the security of such online transactions. Of course, the security of internet transactions has improved over time. Some even say that online shopping is safer than over the phone or even in a store - because such transactions are processed by computers, and not by people who can illegally use your credit card numbers without your permission. Here's what you need to know to safely shop online.

Steps

1. 1 Make sure the identity, location and contact information of the online merchant is established. There are many well-known and popular companies that offer online shopping on their sites, such as Amazon.com. Some of the stores you are used to shopping in also create Internet sites where they sell their goods. In this case, there is nothing to fear. If you don't know much about the site you want to make a purchase on, it is best to inquire before doing anything. Find the name, company registration number, their email and postal address, phone numbers, and their head office address.
2. 2 Find out as much as possible about the company's reputation. After you know the name and address of the company, you can also inquire about the company's reputation in the market. When buying goods on the Internet, various problems with service and delivery can arise, which do not arise when buying in a store. Remember this. To check the reputation of the site where you are going to buy something, enter its name in a search engine. Find reviews about site performance and service quality. Read reviews before trusting any site. And then, you can always call the contact numbers of the company and ask the questions you are interested in, or write to them by e-mail.
3. 3 Find out about payment terms, guarantees and delivery terms before making a purchase. Always ask and look for information on additional costs such as shipping charges. Look for information like this:
   • Packaging cost - must be indicated immediately
   • Shipping cost - must be indicated immediately
   • Payment before or after product delivery
   • Is it possible to track the goods from the moment of purchase to the moment of delivery to the address
   • Is there a guarantee and the possibility of a return in the event of defects
   • Find out how you can return a product to a company if it doesn't meet your expectations. Read about our return policy.
   • Who will pay for the return of the item (postage, etc.)
   • Is there a period in which the buyer can still change his mind and refuse to buy (usually this opportunity is provided when buying expensive goods).
4. 4 Read the privacy policy. This information should be indicated on the website. Most normal businesses tell their customers how they collect personal information and what they do with it. Many of them belong to a special organization that sets the rules that companies follow when processing your personal information. Read the privacy policy to find out what the company will do with your data, if it will use it to send you updates and promotions, if it may share your information with third parties. Then you can decide for yourself what kind of information you are willing to share with this company.
5. 5 Use only secure sites to pay for purchases. Your credit card details must be processed over a secure connection, such as SSL - the most famous and commonly used secure connection. SSL encrypts data and breaks it down into small pieces, so third parties cannot read the data, even if they intercept it. To make sure the site is using SSL connections to process your payment, look at the following:
   • Depending on your browser settings, a message may appear stating that you are connected via a secure connection. This usually happens before you are asked to enter your bank card information.
   • If this message does not appear, there is a second way to check if you are connected via a secure connection - the address in the address bar of your browser will change to https instead of http. The letter "s" means the word "secure", which translates as "secure". The prefix "s" will appear when you are prompted to enter your credit card details.
   • The small padlock symbol in the browser window also means that you are connected via a secure connection. The lock must be closed. If it is open, the connection is not secure.
   • The key symbol also means a secure connection.
6. 6 Be careful when entering information. Please enter correct details when placing your order. Inaccuracy or incorrectness of the entered data can lead to various problems. Check if the information is correct after entering.
7. 7Use a fraudulent bank card. Find out what guarantees your bank provides in this matter. Many banks provide protection, you do not have to pay for purchases made using your credit card without your knowledge.
8. 8 Install the Phishing Filter. For example, SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer, which protects against fraudulent sites and warns you of danger.
9. 9 Write down all your purchases and information about them. After purchasing the product, write down the time, date, receipt and order number. It is best to print the order page in your browser or take a screenshot.
10. 10 Remember that there are scammers who work by sending emails, whose task is to collect personal data about network users. Such scammers try to force you to give them some personal information so that they can use it for their own purposes. Many people fall for this, so be careful. Often such letters look quite harmless, and even more often they pretend to be employees of well-known companies, so as not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.They can send you letters with links, which it is better not to click on, as well as letters with requests to change your password, enter your username, and so on. Don't ever do this. Always go to the website of companies by directly entering their address into the address bar of the browser.

Tips

• Some banks are introducing an additional feature to protect customers - a second password. For example, Verified by Visa or Mastercard Secure Code. When you want to use your bank card on the site, you have to enter a secret password, which is always entered through a secure connection. This password is required for authorization and making any purchases on the Internet.
• There are sites that store information about complaints about various companies and online stores. In the United States, this is the site of the National Fraud Information Center (US).
• Never enter your card details through an insecure connection, do not send them by email. This is dangerous.
• Many online stores now require a CVV code when making a purchase. This is a small code written on the back of your card, next to your signature. The last 3 digits of the code are usually required.
• Credit cards are more secure than debit cards as they do not charge directly from your bank account. If the transaction was made not by you, but by scammers, you most likely will not have to pay for it out of your own pocket if you use a credit card.
• Many banks provide a "disposable credit card" service. This is a fairly safe option.
• If you are making a purchase in another country, check what currency the payment is made in, what the exchange rate is, if there are sales taxes, and so on. Find out if it is legal for you to shop in that country.
• If the site is not familiar to you, buy something cheap to start with to test.

Warnings

• Do not share your card and account information with anyone.
• If you receive a warning about the insecurity of the site you are visiting, do not make purchases on it.
• Let the authorities know if you are a victim of a scam so others do not follow your example.
• Never settle for indefinite amounts and payments, only for specific amounts.
• Do not buy anything on sites if you cannot find any information about them, contact numbers and addresses.
• If you receive a suspicious email, do not open it or click on the links provided in the email.