The holidays are upon us, and with them come a busy schedule filled with parties, school concerts, family visits and other fun traditions. Amid all the plans, finding time to shop for gifts can be difficult.
Online shopping makes finding those perfect holiday gifts fast, easy and convenient, but it’s important to avoid fraudulent schemes. More than 1 in 3 Americans have fallen victim to online shopping scams during the holiday season. Protect your information and avoid cons by following these online shopping safety tips.
Shop Familiar Websites and Apps
Stick to sites you know and trust, and always double check the URL for inconsistencies before completing a purchase. If you’re unsure about a product, read the reviews and conduct a web search to verify its quality and authenticity. Remember, if a price seems too good to be true—it probably is.
Make Purchases on Secure Sites
Don’t enter personal information online without secure sockets layer encryption. These website URLs will begin with “https://” instead of “http://” and show a lock-shaped icon next to the URL.
Use a Credit Card
Debit cards provide hackers with direct access to your bank account and should be avoided. The safest way to shop online is to use a credit card or payment service like PayPal. Not only is it easier to dispute unrecognized charges, but many of these companies will catch fraudulent transactions before you do. Set your credit card account to notify you of charges and double-check all statements.
Keep Track of Orders
Take note of what you order, the name of the online store, the order confirmation number and expected date of arrival. If you receive the wrong item or experience a significant delay in delivery, contact the company’s customer service for a refund. Communicating the issue quickly, using the specific transaction details, will allow for a better solution.
File Complaints Immediately
If you find yourself to be the unfortunate victim of an online shopping scam, do not delay in filing a complaint. Reach out to the seller first. If the issue is not resolved, contact your credit card company, the Federal Trade Commission or Texas Attorney General by visiting texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection.
