Don’t save your credit card information online
Some companies allow you to save your credit card information on their site. This may seem convenient, but it makes it much easier for hackers to access your information. Reentering your credit card numbers for each new online purchase is a bit more time-consuming, but it will keep your financial information more secure and less vulnerable to hackers.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
Many businesses nowadays offer free public Wi-Fi to their patrons. While this is very convenient, users should be aware that public Wi-Fi is not as secure as private, password-protected Wi-Fi. With the right software, hackers can easily access any data you enter online, including any financial information used for online shopping. Public Wi-Fi networks will often warn users that their information isn’t protected and may be accessible to others, and it’s a warning you should always heed.
Use trusted websites
One of the most important online shopping safety tips is to only shop on trusted and secure websites. To easily recognize a secure website, look for URLs that begin with HTTPS instead of just HTTP, or simply look for the padlock symbol in the left corner of the URL bar. These indicate that the website has a secure sockets layer encryption installed, which will more effectively protect your information from cybercriminals.
Regularly check your bank statements
It’s imperative that you regularly check your bank statements to ensure that your financial information hasn’t been stolen. If you do accidentally buy something from a scam website with a credit card, call your card company to report the fraudulent charges immediately so that they can reimburse you. Additionally, by regularly reviewing bank statements, you’ll discover fraudulent charges sooner and can tell your bank to freeze your credit card.