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Shopping Online Safety Tips For A Safe And Secure Shopping Experience

Read important shopping online safety tips before your next online purchase. These online safety tips will help make your shopping experience safe, secure, and pleasurable. More and more people are using the internet to make purchases and though most transactions are without complications, safeguards for online safety is crucial.

Get to know the merchant when shopping online

When shopping, be sure to gather as much information as you can about the merchant you will be dealing with. Check their reputation to see if they are a reliable source to purchase from. Look for internet rating services and directories that provide helpful information about merchants.

Is the site secure?

Most sites that are visited are very secure but yet there are those that you need to be aware of. Taking the right precautions and tips will ensure a complete and safe purchase. Let us start to see what protection there is when you are about to make that purchase. Is there a closed lock or unbroken key in your browser window? The site is not secure if the key is broken or the lock is open. Is there "https:" not "http" on the web address that ask for your password, credit card, or other personal information? Look for a pop-up box that says you are entering a secure area. Also, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) are used on some sites.

Use different passwords

Prevent someone committing fraud by changing your passwords. A suggestion would be to change them every 2-3 months. For sites requiring sensitive information, create unique passwords different from what is used for other entries.

When you create your passwords, do not use personal words and numbers such as your phone number, your name, social security number, or address. Use a combination of letters and numbers. Be sure to remember the passwords and if you need to, write it down and keep them in a safe place where they cannot be found.

Beware of bogus emails

You may receive many clever emails imitating merchants, banks, or other companies that will ask for your personal information. You will be asked to verify your password, reestablish your accounts, or anything in order to get access to sensitive information. Do not click on their links nor answer the emails. If you have a question and have some concern, contact your trusted source to see the email is legitimate.

Bona fide businesses do not ask for sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account numbers on the web. Stay updated with anti-virus and spam software for added protection.

Safeguard and protect

Take the time to investigate other ways that you can safeguard and secure protection when you are shopping online. Following these steps and more will greatly decrease the chances of being a victim of fraud and give you peace of mind when shopping.