1.
Only use trusted sites and avoid clicking links in emails – If you find that ‘Big Kenny’s CD store’ is offering CDs for half of what HMV or Amazon is selling them for, that should ring alarm bells. Likewise, if you receive an email supposedly from a trusted store with offers and links, try not to click on that link. Instead search for the store yourself to find the offers. This will help you avoid email scams and fake sites.
2.
Look for the padlock – When entering your payment information, check the page is secure by looking for the padlock icon in the address bar (where you type in www.). For extra peace of mind,
check the address starts with https://. The S means that you are on a secure webpage.
3.
Consider a centralised payment method – You can avoid giving your card and bank details to lots of different websites by using a central method of online payment which keeps you and your information private and secured. Some popular methods include PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
4.
Consider your surroundings – It can be tempting to sit in a coffee shop with a pumpkin spiced latte (or any other extortionately priced tepid coffee) and while away the afternoon with some online shopping. However, be aware who might be looking over your shoulder.
5.
Use a VPN – Similarly to the previous point, using public Wi-Fi carries risks of other people being able to access your device and your data. Using a VPN will encrypt your web browsing traffic so that nobody can see what you’re looking at or access your information. (Bitdefender has a built in VPN. You just need to ensure it’s turned on).
And remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it generally is.
Happy shopping, and may the odds be ever in your favour…
