In this day and age, technology advancements continue to drive many aspects of our culture. At the forefront of these advancements is the internet, and with that, the appeal of online shopping. The allure of being able to shop from virtually anywhere - your home, office, or even at a coffee shop, has many businesses making the switch from traditional brick and mortar stores to websites. While the ease and comfort of being able to buy almost anything you want, from anywhere you want, can be very luring, it’s important to be aware of the risks of online shopping. Many website owners have put in place secure measures in order to better guarantee the safety of financial and personal information. However, below are some tips to pay attention to when buying things online.
• Make sure the Website is Secure:
If a website is secure, the URL address will begin with “https” - the “s” standing for secure. Additionally, many websites will feature a padlock icon at the bottom of the page. Not every page of a site will be https secure, however, the pages in the shopping cart process where any financial and personal information are required should be secured. Double check the next time you make a purchase online. Additionally, avoid saving all your proprietary information to any online profile. Many times, websites will ask if you want to save this information for the next time you shop on their site. While it may be a time saver, its best practice to keep these records offline.
•Choose a Reputable Business:
The internet has vastly changed the playing field in regards to business reputations. Nowadays, you can Google any company name and find a wealth of information on their company practice and services/products. Additionally, online reviews and forums are another great place to glean information regarding the credibility of a company. Check the Better Business Bureau information on the organization as well if possible.
• Use a NetSpend Prepaid Debit Card:
Instead of using a credit card or debit card attached to all your bank account information, consider buying a NetSpend prepaid debit card to make transactions a little safer. A prepaid visa card from NetSpend.com can be used virtually anywhere online, as well as with PayPal transactions. NetSpend prepaid cards are a great substitution because even if they do get hacked, the finances on the card should be minimal when compared to a credit card or debit card attached to your bank account (where the majority of your finances reside). Additionally, you can track all the card activity online at NetSpend.com, report any suspicious activity, and cancel the card very quickly.
While shopping online can be a luxury, remember that with new technology come new rules. Using the tips above should help your feel more comfortable making online purchases. After all, the convenience of shopping from your bedroom is unparalleled.
