Shopping online by mobile phone or pc can potentially be unsafe. There are some basics that should be followed to protect the identity and financial security of the consumer. With the prevalence of identity theft today, it’s more important than ever to make your online shopping experience safe and secure. There are a handful of safe online shopping rules that should be followed to keep potential online threats at bay.

           Main Stream Sites are Safe

    One way to avoid identity theft is to always use familiar web sites. Search engines can lead the way to the best online deals. However, you’ll still have to weigh the shipping costs, availability of a product, and payment options for each site you visit. Larger retailers can be more reliable and safe. When possible, read reviews of the site which can inform your decision about which site to use. Sometimes a few dollars difference is not worth hassle when dealing with smaller sites.

            Padlocked Secure Sites

   When shopping online, it’s so important to make payments on a secure web site. SSL locked (secure sockets layer) is critical.  You will see a small icon of a padlock in the corner of the screen and the URL should be HTTPS not HTTP, these details ensure a safe and secure site.

          Payment Services

   Many sites offer PayPal or Bill Me Later, which bill you directly and keep your information safe.  Bill Me Later gives payment options, such as not having to pay all at once, which can be handy when purchasing more expensive items.  Never ever make a payment by e-mail, that’s like giving your identity away and should never be done.

        Private Not Public Information

There are a few other things to remember when shopping online. Never give out your birth date or social security number; retailers never need that kind of information and if they tell you they do, you should reevaluate your purchase. It is most likely a scam.

            Store Apps Can Be Helpful

  Store specific apps are another way to stay safe; Amazon and Target offer such apps. These Apps are useful tools when mobile shopping for a product or researching a product in a store . Sense no third party is involved; you keep the transaction between you and the store, thus protecting your account information.

          Lock Your Information

   Strong passwords are very important; all the above precautions should be used whether you are on mobile phone or pc. These are the tools that will keep your identity safe and make your online shopping experience positive.

  There are a couple of extra precautions to take for online shopping with your pc. Good anti-virus protection is a must. Never purchase anything or give any personal information over a public Wi-Fi network and make sure your own Wi-Fi is password locked in VPN (virtual private network).

   When it comes down to the final decision on purchasing, always remember this rule of thumb, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

         Safe, Secure and Happy

   If you take these suggestions into consideration and use them, the odds of being “ripped off” will decrease and your online shopping experience will be enjoyable and rewarding in many ways.
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