3 Tips to be Cyber Smart when Doing Online Purchases
As e-commerce has become increasingly popular for its convenience, with the implementation of online payment transaction, the opportunity for online fraud increases too. Thus, we have to practice good cyber safety & security in order not to fall into the trap of cyber criminals. Here’s 3 tips on how you can be cyber smart when doing online purchases:
1. Purchase only from Secured Websites
First of all, make sure to check and examine the site’s URL on the address bar. Does it start with a http or https? Did you see a closed padlock symbol next to the URL? Yes, it makes a difference as this helps you to determine if the site is secured and whether it has a registered SSL Certificate. If it’s https, it indicates that it’s a secured site and any information you key into the site (e.g. username and passwords or credit card details) will be encrypted.
Secondly, you also need to ensure that the URL link is legit, by checking if it consists the company name and/or if there’s any spelling errors (missing or extra letters) with your sharp eyes. Because unfortunately, sometimes even the phishing sites may use https and appear safe. In this case, although your data is encrypted, it’s still falling into the wrong hands.
Image Credit: GlobalSign
2. Think Twice before Purchasing if the Deal is Too-Good-To-Be-True
Stay cyber smart and be wary if you came across a deal on the site which is too-good-to-be-true, as the adage goes “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is”. While there are many bona fide deals that can surely provide you with good value for money, you have to stay vigilant when the offers on websites sound unbelievable. Hidden costs may be incurred or you may inadvertently sign up for a monthly charge upon your purchase. Therefore, it’s also necessary for you to always read the fine print in any transaction, so as to understand the terms & conditions and not miss out on the important information which can impact your consumer rights.
3. Purchase with a Credit Card
Credit cards often have additional fraud protection and prevention as compared to debit cards. You’ll have more time and it’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges that you didn’t approve when you use a credit card, because the bank can withhold payment while the fraud case is under investigation. Whereas debit card withdraws cash from your account instantly even if the purchases or transaction is not made by you. Besides checking your bank statements, it’s also practical for you to review your credit card and bank accounts transaction history regularly to track if there’s any unauthorized payments, so that you can inform your bank immediately to rectify when you spot anything suspicious and unusual.
Bonus Tip to be Cyber Smart: Activate your credit card with 2FA (two-factor authentication) for all account logins and online transactions for additional security and protection.
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