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The need for convenience has heightened the popularity of online shopping. Most people shop online to avoid traditional in-store queues, long drives to malls, and access to various products. However, before you commit to online shopping, take the necessary steps to protect yourself against cyber scammers.

Criminals can use any opportunity to access your personal information and steal your identity. Whether a seasoned online shopper or a newbie, you should consider safeguarding yourself. Find out how to safely maintain your identity and protect your bank account by following iER’s five tips for secure online shopping to avoid card fraud.

Avoid Using Your Debit Card

Did you know using your credit card is safer than a debit card when shopping online? The thing is, your debit card is directly linked to your bank account. If criminals access your card information, you are at a higher risk of them hacking any accounts linked to your debit card.

On the other hand, a credit card offers more protection. For instance, if suspicious transactions are reflected in your card, your credit card issuer can flag them and investigate if they’re legitimate or fraudulent. Most importantly, the charge can be reversed when you request it; unlike with a debit card, you must ask for an investigation and only receive a portion of your money once it’s concluded.

Track Your Online Activity and Bank Statements

It’s crucial to check your online banking activity as much as possible. You should keep track of your spending. Additionally, it ensures that you keep an eye on your account activity to find unauthorised transactions quickly.

Experts advise logging in to your mobile banking app at least once daily. You can easily monitor your bank accounts and see if anyone has unauthorised access. It also ensures swift action to protect your information when necessary.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

It’s crucial to check your online banking activity as much as possible. You should keep track of your spending. Additionally, it ensures that you keep an eye on your account activity to find unauthorised transactions quickly.

Experts advise logging in to your mobile banking app at least once daily. You can easily monitor your bank accounts and see if anyone has unauthorised access. It also ensures swift action to protect your information when necessary.

Cybercriminals use public Wi-Fi networks to hack your banking details. Using your phone or laptop connected to a public Wi-Fi network for online purchases is risky. It’s one of the easiest ways to compromise your identity and bank account information.

If you can help it, avoid using public networks when shopping online. In most cases, you won’t notice until it’s too late if your information has been stolen. Your bank may not reverse any money from your account or unauthorised transactions.

Shop from Secure Sites

A secure site uses authentication and encryption standards to effectively protect sensitive data during most web transactions. Securing the information you share on any browser you’re using is necessary. If any search engine like Google or Firefox warns you about the security risks of a website, you should stay away from it.

Here are simple ways to check if a website is secure:

• Double-check the domain on search engines.
• Analyse the website design for any suspiciously looking elements.
• Search if it has a privacy policy.
• Find online reviews from previous customers.

Look for legitimate contact information.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing is a scam involving criminals stealing data online, such as credit card credentials. They send a malicious link that appears to be from a trusted source. When you unknowingly click on it, it can install a virus, causing devastating results for an unsuspecting victim.

For instance, they can steal your identity, make unauthorised purchases, and steal money from your bank account. These are suggested ways to prevent phishing scams when you are doing your online shopping:

• Avoid clicking links sent to your emails or text messages. Instead, go to the website to find out more information.
• Don’t provide sensitive information like your bank card details or download files from an unsecured site.
• Update your antivirus software.
• Ensure you use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Verify websites before you provide any of your information.

While the convenience remains convincing enough to explore the world of online shopping, you should be cautious about the sites you use. Protecting your identity and bank account should be your priority. If you’ve been a victim of an online scam and need to report the case to the police, you can use your iER App to connect with the police within your area.