I recently read that 218.8 million people are expected to buy online in 2023. This is up 1.9% over the previous year and by 2026 this figure could hit 230.6 million. Online shopping is especially popular during the Holiday season when many people do it to avoid crowds and long check our lines. I have to admit the convenience of shopping at anytime of the day is appealing, and companies certainly know how to market to you. I know from personal experience, if I browse the internet for a particular item, I always get suggestions of items I might be interested in. Of course with convenience comes the opportunity for cyber criminals and online scams to occur. I thought I would share some types that I have read about to help protect yourself when shopping online.
1. Use credit cards or payment services like Paypal rather than debit cards. They offer more protection and less liability if a card number gets stolen.
2. Verify the site you are on is secure. If you do not see “https” on the site address then it is not encrypted and your data is not secure.
3. Do the software update on your phones or other devices. The updates often help improve security and fight new attacks that develop frequently.
4. Make strong passwords that are unique to you. They are the best way to keep your information private. Make them long and complicated and change them on a regular basis.
5. Do not click on links that seem suspicious or offer enticing offers. Confirm the web address is the retailer you are interested in.
Just a few tips to ensure your online shopping experience is enjoyable, convenient, and most of all safe!