Online shopping grew fast during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail sales plunged, but online sales doubled, according to a report published by CBC at the time. With that growth, many people started to worry about the risk of online fraud.
This post was first published on July 30, 2020. The tips below are still good everyday habits.
Ten online shopping safety tips
To help you shop safely, I summarized the main points of an article from Equifax, a credit monitoring service provider. Here they are:
- Be careful where you shop.
- Think before you click.
- Don’t trust pop-up ads.
- Check the retailer’s online reviews.
- Don’t share unnecessary personal data.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
- Don’t save your payment information.
- Update your antivirus software before you shop.
- Check your network.
- Avoid using the same password across shopping websites.
Here is the full article, with details on each of the points above:
Safe online shopping starts with trusted sellers
The first four tips are about who you buy from. So start with stores you already know, or with well-known marketplaces. If a site is new to you, look for a clear return policy, a real address and a way to reach a person.
Also, think before you click. Links in emails and text messages can lead to fake sites that look real. Instead of clicking, type the store’s address into your browser yourself.
Pop-up ads deserve extra caution. Some promise huge discounts to pull you onto a copycat site. Finally, read the retailer’s reviews on other websites, not just on its own page. For online shopping, a few minutes of checking can save you a lot of trouble.
Protect your personal and payment details
The next three tips protect your money and your identity. First, share only the details a store truly needs to ship your order. A store rarely needs your birth date or your social insurance number to sell you a lamp.
Second, use a credit card instead of a debit card. A credit card keeps the store away from the money in your bank account. Also, card issuers usually offer ways to dispute a charge you did not make.
Third, do not save your payment information on shopping websites. It feels convenient. However, if a site is hacked, saved card details can be exposed. For safe online shopping, it is worth typing your card number each time.
Keep your devices and network secure
The last three tips are about your own devices. Before you shop, update your antivirus software. Updates close gaps that criminals try to use.
Next, check your network. Public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or a mall is handy, but it is not always secure. So save your online shopping for your home network or your mobile data.
Lastly, avoid using the same password across shopping websites. If one site leaks your password, criminals often try it on other sites. A password manager can help you keep a different strong password for each account.
Online shopping for your home
Many families in Mississauga now buy furniture, appliances and home supplies online. These are often large purchases, so the same habits matter even more. Check the seller, pay with a credit card and keep every receipt and warranty.
The same care applies to real estate. Never send a deposit or personal documents because of an email alone. Instead, confirm any payment instructions by phone with a person you know and trust. For more ways to protect yourself from fraud, visit the Government of Canada website.
You may also find these posts useful: why travel insurance matters and how to apply for the federal COVID-19 relief package.
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about buying or selling a home, or about staying safe during a transaction? Please send me a message or call me directly at 416 908 5600. I am A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage, and I am always glad to help. If this post was useful, you can also leave a Google review.
