Many of these ideas and links came from AVG, my virus protection program, but this is not a sponsored post. Just sharing good information.
1. Use official apps or websites
One of the simplest ways to avoid scams is to go directly to the official shopping site, instead of clicking on a link to get there. This will potentially save you a bundle in headaches and lost money, by ensuring you aren’t giving your payment details to a cleverly disguised evil twin website. And the bad guys are really clever.
Same goes for shopping apps: download them only from official app stores, such as the Apple app store or Google Play. Occasionally a rogue app may find its way into these official stores, but their quality control is excellent and every bit of safety helps.
2. Switch on your VPN while you shop
A VPN is an app that encrypts and hides everything you do online – your browsing, your searches, your payment and banking details, etc – from basically anyone, hackers and criminals included.
That means VPNs are perfect for online shopping, since they keep the entire process private and secure. You can get a VPN for your smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, laptop — even your smart TV.
3. Get rid of online ads with an ad blocker
Besides getting a far cleaner, less cluttered online shopping experience, ad blockers can also help keep you safe. Online criminals are turning to online ads as a means of delivering malware into your devices, so getting rid of ads altogether can be a nice online security bonus.
4. Don’t store payment info online
How many times can you type your credit card number before those offers to save your payment details start appearing irresistible? I understand. It’s a pain. It’d be so nice to have everything neatly saved and ready for your next purchase.
5. Pay with credit card
If everything goes wrong and your payment details end up compromised after all, paying with a credit card (as opposed to a debit card, bank transfer, or other methods) may save you a lot of trouble. Most credit cards offer a good level of buyer protection, such as the ability to dispute charges you don’t agree with. This may vary from company to company, so it’s worth giving yours a call and see what kind of coverage you’re entitled to.
Thanks for the visit. Get exclusive free printables & all the news straight to your mailbox!
Please see my Link Parties page for the parties where this post was shared.
All excellent tips. I think Amazon is the only one where my cc number is stored. Just makes sense not to overdo it!
thanks Jeanie!
I do almost all my shopping line and am grateful that my holiday shopping is almost done. Have a wonderful week.
Good for you!
Thanks for this article Carol, it offers some valuable advice and a reminder to get a VPN.
Thanks – I was hoping other folks would like the info like I did.
Great tips – My VPN is a big part of my life! I must get an ad blocker in there as well though, they are annoying!
Happy Wednesday
Wren x
Great tips. Especially the VPN info. I don’t know if I have one of those apps on my phone or laptop, but I am going to look into it. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad it was helpful. Have a wonderful day!
Excellent tips Carol. Makes good sense to shop wisely. I’d like to let your readers know the website to order the self-care journal “Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss” is a secure one, with a PayPal Button. It can be ordered at select Independent Book stores and shops, from the publisher, and on Amazon as well. Have a wonderful holiday season and be well.
Thanks for the information. Have a great day!
Great tips!! Another one would be to use Rakuten (formerly Ebates). I’ve gotten thousands of dollars back thru the years using it!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 6. Shared.
Great tips! And I can attest that you really do need to be careful when shopping online!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Thanks for the feature Richella; I also know what’s it’s like to get hacked!