Safety Tips for Shopping Online
Online shopping has become more convenient than ever. Whether you’re ordering groceries from your phone or tracking down the perfect last-minute gift at midnight, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to the internet for everyday purchases.
But as online shopping becomes more popular, so does the need to stay cautious. From fake websites and phishing scams to misleading ads and questionable payment pages, the digital marketplace can be full of hidden risks.
Staying safe online isn’t just a good practice—it’s essential. Keep reading for simple, practical tips to help protect yourself (and your wallet) while still enjoying all the perks of online shopping.
Red flags to watch for when shopping online
- Deals that are too good: Prices that seem significantly low for the product (especially for name brands) are often scams.
- Missing contact information: No clear way to reach customer service or return items? This could be a red flag.
- Website design: Lots of typos, broken links, or outdated information may be signs of an untrustworthy site.
- Lack of payment options: Be cautious if the site only accepts wire transfers or payment apps.
- Suspicious URLs: Look closely at the web address; scammers often use slight misspellings, odd domains, or extra characters.
Stick to trusted websites
Buying from official sites and well-known retailers is a safe choice when it comes to shopping online. Fake websites can look real, so take a close look at the browser address bar before making a purchase. A secure site should start with https:// and show a padlock icon in the address bar.
Update your browser regularly
Keeping your browser up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay safe when shopping online. Updates can include important security patches that help protect you from hackers, phishing scams, and malicious websites.
Using a browser that’s outdated can leave your personal and financial information exposed. To stay protected, check for browser updates regularly—it only takes a minute and can prevent issues down the line.
For even stronger protection, use a reliable antivirus software or anti-tracking browser to help detect and stop threats before they reach your device.
Use strong passwords
Consider using a password manager to create and store your passwords. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible to act as a second layer of protection for your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts so one leak doesn’t put all of your information at risk.
Watch out for phishing scams
Scammers often send emails, texts, and even place social media ads that look real but aren’t. Check the sender before clicking any links or making a purchase—scam emails often come from strange addresses that may have spelling errors or random numbers. If a digital ad has typos or grammar mistakes, it might be a scam.
Use a secure Wi-Fi connection or VPN
Avoid making online purchases on public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports, etc.). Instead, use your phone’s cellular data or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in public places. A VPN acts as a ‘tunnel’ between your device and the internet. It hides your location and encrypts your data, so no one—like hackers, your internet provider, or even websites—can track your online activity. This makes it safer to shop and browse on public Wi-Fi without worrying about your information being stolen.
Monitor your accounts
Enable real-time transaction alerts from your bank or credit card company. Regularly review your transactions and account statements. If you notice unusual activity, contact your bank or credit card provider.
Pay the safe way
Use credit cards or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay when making online purchases. Credit cards often offer better fraud protection and dispute options if you get hacked or scammed. Don’t save your payment information on websites and save your order details after making a purchase should any issues come up later.
Don’t let hackers crash your cart
By following key cybersecurity practices like the ones mentioned above, you can reduce your risk of fraud and identity theft when shopping online.
At Alfa®, protecting your personal information is a top priority—both online and offline. We follow strong administrative practices and use proven safeguards to help keep your data secure.
For more information on how we protect your privacy, view our privacy policy.