You likely know several people who have an online shopping horror story. You may even have a few yourself. Items arriving damaged or faulty, being mis-sold something via a dubious description – it can happen to anyone.
Understanding where to shop with reduced risk can be a game-changer. The big retailers now rely massively on online sales. That means they have measures put in place to make sure your shopping experience is a smooth one.
With tech advancements that help protect your data, online shopping need not be a scary experience.
Consumer Powers Protecting Purchases
You might think all faceless online brands sell low-quality items with unclear returns systems. However, authorities are starting to clamp down on these bad practices. For example, the INFORM Consumers Act is one way that the law is on your side.
Sites hosting third-party sellers (like Amazon or eBay) cannot simply blame bad products on the sellers using their platform. Putting the pressure back on these big brands can only help improve things for you as the buyer.
Serious Data Protection
As more transactions are made online, it also means that your data is stored in more places. This includes your name, date of birth, address and banking information. This knowledge might make you hesitant to shop online. However, laws exist to protect you. Also, huge sums of money are put into data protection by online brands every year.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t add some safety measures of your own. Shopping with a virtual private network (VPN) switched on is one such measure. This tool encrypts the data that travels from your device to the online store, meaning nobody can make sense of it even if they intercept it.
Search for the latest VPN deals for Black Friday to get online protection for less. It’s a great option for the entire year, especially during the festive period when you may be shopping online more.
Your Online Shopping Security Toolkit
A few simple tools and checks can ensure your safety when shopping online, removing stress from the experience.
- Check the site: This is job #1. Scammers might create a realistic imitation of an online store and try to divert you towards it. First, check the site address starts with https – the S stands for secure and shows you’re in the right place. Does the site address contain any random letters or symbols? Is there proper customer information, and can you log in to your account? If the answers to those questions raise suspicions, stop your transaction.
- Use MFA: This stands for multi-factor authentication. It’s usually a code that is texted to you after you enter your password. Having this security method in place means your account and data are safe even if that password lands in the wrong hands. Got a text with a code when you haven’t logged in? It might be a sign your account has been hacked, so change the password as soon as you can.
- Use a VPN: Buying on the go using a public network? VPN protection becomes even more important. If there’s no password for the Wi-Fi, it means anyone can log in – including criminals who might try to steal your data. Using a VPN is good practice whether you’re at home or on public networks because it adds an extra layer of security to every purchase.