How do I shop online safely?
Shopping online can be a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase the items you need, but it’s important to take steps to protect yourself against fraud and other risks. Here are some tips for shopping online safely:
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Choose a secure website. Look for “https” at the beginning of the website address, and a closed padlock icon in the address bar. These indicate that the website is secure and encrypted.
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Use a secure payment method. Credit cards are usually the safest way to pay online, but you may also want to consider using a payment service like PayPal or a virtual credit card.
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Keep your computer secure. Make sure your computer has up-to-date security software and a firewall installed.
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Use a strong password. Use a unique password for each online account you have, and make sure it is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
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Beware of phishing emails. Be wary of emails that ask you to click on a link or enter personal information. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to do this.
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Look for customer reviews. Read customer reviews to make sure that the products you’re buying are of good quality and the service is reputable.
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Avoid public Wi-Fi. When shopping online, use a secure home Wi-Fi connection instead of a public connection or use a trusting VPN when using a public Wi-Fi.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you shop online safely and protect yourself from fraud and other risks.