Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days in the US. Malls and in-stores get flooded with people looking for incredible deals and discounts. But that doesn’t mean you should stay at home. You can shop online to cash in on the great sales during this shopping season. However, you have to take some precautions to keep yourself safe from online threats.
Here are 8 tips for safe online shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday:
- Beware of Fake Websites
Hackers create websites that look just like the genuine retailers’ websites. They send emails offering great deals and then steal your account information. Check the URL and domain name carefully to avoid fake websites.
- Shop on a Secure Website
While shopping online, make sure you are accessing a secure website. Check for “HTTPS” in the browser that encrypts communication and makes browsing secure by preventing attacks.
- Go with Tried and Tested Retailers
You will find many websites giving huge discounts, but try to only shop on reputable and reliable ecommerce sites. Read customers’ review and check seller ratings to find the best sites for safe online shopping.
- Update Your Antivirus Software and Browser
Make sure a firewall is installed on your computer and your antivirus software is up to date. Update your browser as well. Having the latest version is important to prevent online fraud.
- Don’t Trust Unknown Links in Your Email
Beware of fishy emails offering incredible deals. Check the offer by going to the retailer’s website instead of linking on the email link. These links when clicked can download malicious software and ask for personal details.
- Save all Payment Confirmations
As the stores are overloaded with orders, this may affect payment and order confirmation. Sometimes you will not receive an email confirmation even after the order was successfully placed. Saving and printing payment confirmation is essential.
- Avoid Public Computers and Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Shop at home if possible. Public LANs and wireless connections are not safe as hackers can access these networks and can steal your personal information. Don’t save your credit card information online.
- Use Credit Card Instead of Debit Card
Use your credit card for online shopping, not your debit card. Credit cards offer more protection in case something goes wrong with the purchase or someone steals your information.
- Follow these tips to have a positive online shopping experience on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
