Online shopping makes it easy to find gifts, compare prices, and avoid busy stores during the holiday season. Still, fake websites and payment scams can catch shoppers of any age off guard. Senior Helpers offers practical tips for safe online shopping, so you can make purchases with greater confidence.
A Few Safe Online Shopping Checks Before You Buy
Before placing an order, take a moment to check the website address in your browser's address bar. Scam sites often copy familiar store names, adding an extra word or changing a single letter to make the address look legitimate.
Ensure safe online shopping by typing the retailer's address yourself or use a bookmark you've already saved. Be cautious about clicking ads or links in unexpected messages, as they can lead to imitation websites.
A padlock icon and an address beginning with “https” indicate that a connection is encrypted. However, they don't always guarantee that a store is legitimate. Look for a clear return policy, contact information, and realistic prices. An unusually large discount or a website with no way to reach the seller deserves a closer look.
Choose a Payment Method with Protection
Credit cards generally offer better protection for online purchases than debit cards. If an order doesn't arrive or a charge looks unfamiliar, you can contact your card issuer to ask about disputing the transaction. Some shoppers also prefer using a separate credit card with a lower limit for online purchases.
Be cautious if a seller asks you to pay through unusual methods. Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or an e-transfer to a private individual are warning signs. Reputable retailers generally offer standard payment options through their checkout pages.
Check Delivery Messages Before Clicking
Holiday shopping often means more delivery notifications, but not every message about a package is genuine. These phishing messages often imitate delivery companies, using familiar logos and urgent language to make the request seem legitimate. A common tactic is to claim that a parcel is delayed or requires a small redelivery fee. The link may lead to a fake payment page designed to collect your card details or other personal information. If you're expecting a package, check its status through the retailer's website or the delivery company's official app instead of clicking a link in a text.
Protect Your Accounts and Home Network
Good account security is another part of safe online shopping. Use a different password for each shopping account and turn on two-step verification whenever it's available. This adds another layer of protection if someone gets hold of your password.
Whenever possible, make purchases using a trusted home Wi-Fi connection rather than public networks at cafés or libraries. It's also worth checking your credit card statements regularly. If you spot a charge you don't recognize, contact your card issuer promptly.
What to Do if Your Payment Information Is Stolen
If you think someone has accessed your card details, contact your bank or card issuer right away. They can explain how to freeze or replace the card and dispute unauthorised charges. You can also report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact your local police service to report suspected fraud.
A Little Extra Support This Holiday Season
Shopping for gifts and managing holiday plans can take time, even when you order from home. Senior Helpers Saskatoon offers in-home companionship, assistance with everyday activities, and more, so you can spend less time worrying about daily tasks and more time enjoying the holidays. Contact us to start exploring your options in Saskatoon!