Buying and selling online is big business across the world. In 2017, 1.66 billion individuals purchased products on the net and this figure is expected to increase further in 2018. However, numerous fraudulent practices are targeting e-commerce businesses, and are risking the finances of individuals up and down the country. With many seeking out the American dream, losing your cash after innocently shopping on the net is a devastating blow. Thankfully, there’s no need to worry if you take onboard these top buying tips when you next shop online.
Be vigilant
South America is currently emerging as a hotspot for identity fraud as a result of cyber criminals hacking into e-commerce systems and stealing the personal data of online shoppers. Most people don’t think twice about entering their date of birth, address and bank account details when shopping online, but have you ever stopped to think about what happens to this data once your parcel has been dispatched? You should choose the sites you purchase from and provide your personal details to wisely, even if it sometimes means you have to pay a few more dollars for your goods. Always be on the lookout for signs that something isn’t legit with the company, such as no reviews or feedback.
Check the site’s security status
It would be fair to say that a large proportion of people don’t stop to check that the e-commerce site they’re purchasing from is secure before proceeding to make a purchase, but if you want to protect your finances from criminals you need to avoid getting over excited and rushing ahead to the checkout. A secure website will start with https rather than http and your browser bar will confirm the security of the site by showing a padlock. Consider using Chrome as your browser when shopping online as from July 2018, all http websites will be marked as ‘not secure’, making it easier for you to identify that the online shop is one to steer clear of.
Know your rights
As you don’t get to physically see or hold an item before you buy it online, consumers usually have better rights. You should always take the time to read the e-commerce site’s terms of sale including their refund policy before you buy any goods and it’s always worth making online purchases with a credit card as, if a problem occurs, you can dispute the charge. It’s wise to utilize an e-commerce site that has a reputation for providing good customer service and support, both before and after the sale, as these are the sites that care and appreciate you as a customer. It is a sign that they will do their utmost to protect the data they hold on you, including your bank account information.
Buying goods online is an efficient and convenient way of shopping for billions of people each year. However, many consumers need to put more effort into keeping their data and financial information secure when on the net. Being vigilant about who you buy from and what personal data you’re giving out is vital while checking the security status of every site you visit is a must. Take the time to read up on your rights, too, before checking out and freely handing over your personal data as this will provide you and your finances with ultimate protection.
Jenny Holt jennyholt
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