In 2014, 71 percent of UK shoppers did more than half of their Christmas shopping online. That’s a lot of money moving around in a very short space of time. And where there’s money, there’s crime. Christmas isn’t just a bumper time for online retailers, it’s the high season for cybercriminals too.
But Sutton residents have been given advice as to how to protect themselves by following these 13 tips to keep your Christmas cash safe from online thieves and make sure your presents arrive safe and sound.
But Sutton residents have been given advice as to how to protect themselves by following these 13 tips to keep your Christmas cash safe from online thieves and make sure your presents arrive safe and sound.
SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING: TOP TIPS
There are some very simple steps you can take to protect yourself when shopping online:
Choose retailers you know: when you pick online retailers, try to stick to brands you know and trust. Always check that the URL is correctly spelled and that the site is what it claims to be.
Always verify unfamiliar sites: if you do choose a retailer you don’t know, check their feedback history before you order. A proper returns policy and a publicly listed, easy-to-find phone number, email and physical address are also good signs.
Find out what others think: check the onsite feedback and make use of review websites. Use Google to see not just what people are saying on a site, but what people on the rest of the Internet are saying about that site.
Insist on encryption: only shop on secure sites. Look for a URL beginning with ‘https://’ instead of ‘http://’. Also check for a closed padlock symbol on the web browser’s address bar – by clicking or double-clicking on it you will be able to see details of the site's security.
Don't shop at Wi-Fi hotspots: public Wi-Fi networks are common places for hackers to grab your information, that makes them bad places for online shopping. Find out more about the dangers of public Wi-Fi with our guide to safely using public Wi-Fi.
Beware of mobile-friendly URLs: use extra caution when using your mobile device for online purchases. Shortened URLs, often used because they are phone-friendly, can also trick you into visiting risky sites.
Always check the app: many retail stores also offer their own shopping apps. Just as you should check if a website is genuine, be sure you are using a genuine app. Installing anti-malware on your Android device will ensure you are not duped into using a rogue app.
Install security software: Kaspersky Internet Security – Multi-Device is a complete Internet security software solution for your PC, Mac and Android devices, providing added security for online shopping and banking to stop thieves stealing your money or account details.
Set strong passwords: use a unique and complex password for every online retailer you sign up to. Never use the same password twice. To make things easy and secure, use a multiplatform password manager, such as Kaspersky Password Manager.
Keep your kids away from your credit card: make sure your children don’t have access to your online accounts. Use parental controls, built-in and third party, to limit their access to your credit card and bank information.
Secure your online payments: find out how to make safe online payments by reading our guide to Safe Online Payments and ensure you’re avoiding the common mistakes regular Internet users often make.
Always log off: when you complete an online shopping session, always log off, especially if you share a computer with someone. Never walk away from a PC still logged onto a shopping site.
Watch out for unexpected transactions: read credit card statements when you get them and check for unauthorised charges. If there is anything unusual, report it immediately.
PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
If you want to order online, be alert to the kinds of information you are being asked for. Don’t give out any more information than is necessary to complete your purchase. Never share personal information over the phone unless you made the call, and never reply to any unsolicited requests for personal information (especially passwords, credit card or bank account numbers).
Only make payments online using safe, trusted methods such as PayPal or Worldpay. Whenever possible, use credit cards, as your purchases will usually be insured. If you accidentally enter your credit or debit card information into a malicious website or reply to a suspicious email with that information, immediately contact your credit card company.
For even more tips for safe shopping online, visit The Money Advice Service and Get Safe Online.