The holiday season is around the corner and there is so much to buy for everyone. Like every other consumer nowadays, if you are also planning to shop a major part of your shopping list online, then follow these tips to make it a hassle-free experience. People nowadays shop from the convenience of their home with the help of their smartphones and tablets throughout the year. And there is no better time to shop online than this holiday season, as most of the sites offer free shipping and many other attractive deals. It also helps you to beat the huge crowd in brick and mortar shops and spend quality time with your near and dear ones. However, as you get tempted by the fantastic online deals, you need to be safe while making the online transactions.
Use your credit card
Using your credit card is a better option than using your debit card for online purchase. If you use your debit card, the money is debited from your account instantly and there is very little chance to get it back if you fall prey to a fraudulent transaction. With your credit card transaction, you can take a step back in case of any disputes. Also, there are special promotional offers by credit card companies in association with various businesses. It is definitely a wise decision to gain from these offers rather than using your debit card.
Always look for trusted retailers
Always try to shop from trusted and renowned retailers as they have better security mechanisms in place to facilitate genuine hassle-free transactions. They also provide better customer service. In case of any complaints, you can ask for a refund. You can also give your credit information to a brand you trust as you go back to these sites frequently. They keep it safe and confidential for you.
Shop only from encrypted sites
Before you visit an online shopping platform, make sure it is a secure site. The latest and updated browsers can help you identify if the sites are secure or not. If the browser shows the prefix ‘https’, it means the site is encrypted and information you share is secured. You should never share your credit card details in a non-encrypted or untrusted site.
Strong passwords for safety
If you a frequent online-shopper, try to create a unique password for every shopping site you visit. Most of the retail sites ask you to enter a secure password which is not easy to decode. Your password should be long enough (at least eight characters) and it should preferably be a mix and match of letters and numbers. If you do not use a site any longer, make sure to delete all your personal information shared there.
Secure Network connection
If you want to shop online, try to avoid public Wi-Fi connections. The information you share through these public networks can be hacked easily. Instead, use your workplace internet or home network for shopping.
Avoid the ad links on your email
It is best to avoid the links delivered to your inbox. They can offer lucrative deals, but you never know how your sensitive data can be compromised through these sites. Most of these links are not verified, and they can steal your credit card details.
Check your accounts regularly
If you are a regular online shopper or shopping for the first time this holiday season, check your bank accounts regularly. The chances of hacking increases during the holiday season. You can also do a quick Google search on recent hacks on any retail site and avoid such sites.
Do not be tempted by too good to be true offers. These are made to the lure the customers to make online transactions so that they can steal confidential data.
