As the holiday season is just a few months away, many shoppers are starting to think about their holiday shopping. While online shopping is often more convenient, it’s now more widely used than ever due to the pandemic. This widespread use certainly raises concerns on how to shop securely online. With October being National Cybersecurity Awareness month, it’s an ideal time to take a look at some online shopping safety measures to help keep you and your finances safe.
1. Be mindful of where you click. As good as the offer may seem, it may be too good to be true. If you see an enticing offer on an ad or in an email, always go directly to the company’s website to verify that it’s a legitimate offer.
2. Consider your payment options. A First Bank Debit Mastercard® or a First Bank Mastercard Credit Card® is an appealing payment option. These cards offer enhanced security measures to help keep your finances safe and secure. Sites that ask you to pay for your product by sending money or wiring money to them usually aren’t legitimate sites. Always be cautious before submitting your online payment information.
3. Watch for emails requesting information. Attackers can attempt to gain access to your finances by requesting through email that you confirm a purchase or enter your account information. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to confirm this type of information through email. Be wary of emails urging you to act quickly, and refrain from clicking on any suspicious links in the email. Go directly to the website to log in by typing in the website address in the address bar. Always watch for a padlock icon to display in the web browser to indicate it’s a secure website.
4. Check your statements. Keep a record of your payment and confirmation pages when you purchase a product. Compare your bank and credit card statements to the payment information and check for any discrepancies. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, call your bank immediately and report it.
5. Use a secure and private Wi-Fi connection. As convenient as it may be, avoid using a public Wi-Fi connection to purchase products online. Public Wi-Fi connections aren’t always secure and could make your information susceptible to cyberattacks. Instead, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or your phone as a personal hotspot.
As always, it’s important to make sure you’re taking steps to help keep your financial information safe when shopping online. For more tips on protecting yourself online and to stay updated on other cybersecurity threats, visit our Security Hub.
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