Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips
Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips
The 2021 holiday shopping season is already well underway and promises to be an unpredictable one. With shortages and supply chain issues, many are shopping earlier than ever to get the year’s hottest gifts. According to the Better Business Bureau, product shortages and increased online shopping are likely to result in even more online purchase scams this year. Here are some tips to make sure your holiday shopping stays merry and bright.
Holiday Shopping Tips
1. Research before you buy. Use BBB.org and shopper reviews to do your homework before paying. Also, check out the BBB’s tips for spotting fake reviews.
2. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The top motivating factor for people who made a purchase, then lost money was price. Don’t shop on price alone.
3. Beware of fake websites. Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, and search for contact information. Check out tips on how to identify a fake website.
4. Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “https” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “http” – it is NOT secure.
5. Use secure and traceable transactions and payment methods. Those who paid with a credit card were less likely to lose money. Be cautious when paying by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards, or other non-traditional payment methods.
6. Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer. People have reported that website photos motivated them to engage with scammers, especially for pets/pet supplies, clothing/accessories, and vehicles.
TopLine is committed to arming you with the tools and information you need to protect yourself. For more information and additional financial safety tips, please click here to visit our website.
We hope you have a safe, fun online shopping experience this holiday season!
Happy Holidays from your friends at TopLine!