How to stay safe when online shopping

Many people shop online for convenience, without being aware of the risks. Cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities like weak passwords and unsecured connections to steal personal and financial information. A single mistake can lead to fraud or identity theft.

But staying safe on the web doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and shop with confidence.

Verify retailer legitimacy

Not every website is what it seems. Scammers create convincing websites to trick shoppers into paying for products that don’t exist. Before you enter your payment information, take a moment to check if the retailer is legitimate.

Look for a physical address, a working customer service number and independent customer reviews. If a website lacks basic contact details or has no history outside its own platform, that’s a red flag. A quick search can reveal whether other shoppers have reported issues.

Employ strong credentials

A weak password makes it easy for hackers to access your accounts. If you reuse passwords across multiple sites, a data breach on one platform can put all your accounts at risk. Create a unique password for each website, making sure it’s long and unpredictable – a random mix of letters, numbers and symbols works best.

Using a password manager simplifies things by storing your passwords, so you don’t have to remember them. Alternatively, string together three random words to create passwords that are easier to remember but still robust.

Keep software updated

Cybercriminals exploit security flaws in outdated software to steal data. Keeping your browser, apps and operating system up to date ensures you’re protected against the latest threats.

Enable automatic updates whenever possible. If you use shopping apps, download them only from official sources like the App Store or Google Play. Avoid third-party websites, as they may distribute tampered versions of legitimate apps.

Use encrypted connections

An encrypted internet connection is essential when entering sensitive information. Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they’re not secure. Hackers can intercept data, including passwords and payment details. If you need to shop on the go, using a VPN encrypts your connection, preventing anyone from spying on your activity.

At home, check that websites use HTTPS before entering any personal information. The padlock icon in the address bar indicates that your connection is protected. If a checkout page doesn’t have this protection, don’t proceed with your purchase.

Make secure payments

The way you pay online matters. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, making it easier to dispute unauthorised transactions. Digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Wallet provide an extra layer of security by keeping your card details private.

Some banks offer virtual cards for transactions, which generate a temporary card number, so your real information isn’t stored on multiple websites. Whenever possible, avoid saving payment details on retailer accounts – if their systems are breached, your data could be exposed.

Shopping on the internet should be safe, not stressful. By taking the precautions highlighted above, you can protect yourself from scams and shop with peace of mind.