Online shopping is fun! But can be dangerous when you don’t understand the risks involved.
In 2022, 35.1 million seniors shopped online. Similarly, in 2022, credit card frauds accounted for 43.7% of all cybercrimes, while identity theft through online shopping and payment account fraud accounted for 28.1%.
If you put these numbers together, you can see growing threats to seniors as they shop for their favorite products only. But does this mean they must not shop online?
No, the solution is to use safe online shopping practices to combine security with convenience.
Here are five tips and tricks to enjoy a safe and convenient online shopping experience.
Safe Online Shopping Tip #1: Shop on reputable websites
When shopping online, stick to reputable websites. Be cautious of websites that offer products at extremely low prices or have misspelled domain names, as these may be signs of a scam. Stick to well-known retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target for online safety.
Rule of Thumb: When a deal looks too good to be true, it’s best to stay away as it can be a scam!
Safe Online Shopping Tip #2: Use a secure network
Before shopping, make sure you’re using a secure network. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be easily hacked. Instead, use a secure home network or a virtual private network (VPN) when shopping online. This will help keep your personal information and credit card details safe from hackers.
Safe Online Shopping Tip #3: Look for the lock icon
Before entering any personal information or credit card details, make sure the website has a secure connection. What this essentially means is that your personal information is sent through safe channels through the Internet, and it’s not easy to intercept your details.
To know if the website is transmitting your data securely, look for the lock icon next to the website address in your browser. This indicates that the website is using a secure connection, and any information you enter will be encrypted.
Safe Online Shopping Tip #4: Avoid clicking on links in emails
Scammers often send emails that appear to be from legitimate retailers but contain links to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Avoid clicking on links in emails, especially if they ask for personal information or credit card details. Instead, type the retailer’s website address directly into your browser.
Also, double-check the spelling of the retailer. For example, www.target.com is the legitimate site while www.targat.com is a scam. Look closely at these small errors as they indicate frauds.
Safe Online Shopping Tip #5: Keep your computer and software up to date
Keeping your computer and software up-to-date is important for staying safe online. Make sure you have the latest version of your operating system and antivirus software installed. This will help protect your computer from viruses and other malware that could compromise your personal information.
Conclusion: Secure Your Online Shopping
Overall, online shopping can be a convenient and safe way to purchase products from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself. Some simple tips like what we presented in this article can go a long way in safeguarding your online identity and digital experience.
If you have any questions about securing your passwords or believe your device has been hacked, reach out to your trusted cyber incident response team immediately, and we will help you.
At Threat Alliance, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions for individuals and small businesses and can help keep you safe online.
To know how protected you are, take our readiness test.