Do you know that over 90% of global Internet users visit online retail stores, while more than five million households in Australia shop online each month? These figures skyrocket with the festive season, with over 30% of Australians hitting online stores over Christmas. But just how safe is all that online shopping? While it’s become the convenient and preferred way to shop for many, it also comes with a risk – cyber criminals like online shopping, too!
With the online shopping season in full swing and the sales about to hit during the holidays, now is a good time to remain vigilant and get up to speed with safe online shopping practices. In our latest Cyber Tip of the Month, Kinetic IT’s Business Technology Specialist, Kath O’Connor, shares her top tips for secure online shopping this festive season.
How Do Cybercriminals Target Shoppers?
In 2023, cybercrime in Australia continued to surge, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) receiving a report every six minutes. Online shoppers are prime targets, with criminals using fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent text messages to steal money and personal information. Some attackers even hack online stores to access login and payment details for identity theft. To stay safe, it’s crucial to be aware of these risks and follow essential tips for secure online shopping, especially during busy seasons like the holidays.
There are many potential cyber risks when hitting online shops. Here are four valuable tips for secure online shopping to help you stay safe online this festive season and beyond.
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1. Use Secure Devices
The first step to safe online shopping is securing your device. Whether you use a laptop or smartphone, always install reliable antivirus or anti-malware software. Next, ensure your internet connection. Stick to trusted networks like home Wi-Fi or 4G/5G; avoid public Wi-Fi, which hackers can easily intercept, putting your data at risk. Cybercriminals could steal sensitive information if you log into accounts or make purchases on an unsecured network. Finally, always log off after your shopping session, especially on shared devices, to keep your accounts secure.
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2. Use Trusted Online Retailers
Creating a bogus website or online store that will take your money and never send your purchases is effortless. While it’s best to only buy from reputable online retailers you know and trust, there are times when you may want to buy from a new online retailer. To ensure a safe online shopping experience, you must learn how to spot a fake!
Social media platforms like TikTok and Meta increasingly become hotbeds for fraudulent activity. Scammers often create imposter stores on platforms like TikTok Shop and even use fake ads to lure customers into making purchases. Brands have reported a significant rise in these imposter advertisers, who mimic legitimate businesses and set up fake storefronts, duping unsuspecting customers. Please note platforms like TikTok and Meta often allow you to report suspicious advertisers, which is vital in protecting other potential victims.
How To Check If A Website Is Safe To Buy From:
1. Check The SSL Certificate
SSL means ‘Secure Sockets Layer’. It’s an encryption method websites should use if they ask for personal information like your credit card details. To check if a website has an SSL certificate, ensure the URL starts with HTTPS, not HTTP. The S means ‘secure’. You can also look for a padlock icon in the URL bar.
2. Look For Comprehensive Information
A legitimate online shopping website will have visible contact information, such as phone numbers and an address. It will also have good information about its delivery and returns policies. You can search its address details to see if it’s a real and verifiable location. If not, don’t buy from that website.
3. Read The Privacy Policy
As a legal requirement in many countries, reputable online stores will have a clear privacy policy on their website. The privacy policy will explain how the business uses sensitive customer data, such as credit card details. It’s best to avoid that online retailer if they don’t have one.
4. Check The Customer Reviews
Reviews are a valuable resource for safer online shopping. However, since website reviews can sometimes be fake, it’s crucial to check reliable sources like Google and Trustpilot to read about real customer experiences before purchasing. Be sure the reviews specifically mention the product you’re considering so you can trust their authenticity and relevance.
5. If It’s Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
Finding your favourite item at a considerable discount can be tempting, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Consider paying a little extra at a reputable retailer this season to ensure you get the real deal. Sometimes, knowing your purchase is safe and reliable is worth the peace of mind.
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3. Protect Your Payment Information
So, you’ve secured your device and chosen a trusted online retailer. The next step in a safe online shopping experience is protecting your money. Here’s how to keep your payment information secure.
Don’t Save Your Payment Information
Never save your payment information on an online shopping account. Even if you regularly shop there, you should always take the extra few minutes to input it every time you buy.
Manage Your Passwords
One of the most important parts of safe online shopping is using long and complex passwords for your online accounts. Make sure you use a different password for each account. If you have trouble managing all your passwords, you can use a trusted password manager with encryption methods to help. It’s also ideal to turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security and protect your online accounts.
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Use Secure Payment Methods
Never pay by direct bank deposit, money transfer, or digital currencies such as Bitcoin, as it’s more difficult to recover money sent that way. The best payment methods are credit card or PayPal, as you can stop or recover payments far more easily.
Get A Second Credit Card
If you want a safe online shopping experience, use a secondary or temporary credit card dedicated to online purchases instead of your regular credit card. Your second credit card should have a low credit limit, so if your credit card details are stolen, it will minimise the financial loss and not impact other payments or bills that may come from your standard credit card. Some credit card companies will even issue you a temporary credit card to make a one-time purchase. If hackers do steal your credit card details, they won’t be able to make any other purchases.
4. Be aware of fake delivery scams
A safe online shopping experience doesn’t end once you’ve bought your items. You’ll need to remain vigilant until you’ve received your purchases – right up until delivery. A common delivery scam is sending fake links to your device or mobile phone that trick you into downloading malware or sending personal details. There are a few ways to avoid falling prey to these scams.
Track Your Parcels Safely
Always track your packages using the courier’s apps or website portals, such as the Australia Post parcel tracking portal. You can enter your parcel or tracking number to get the correct information.
If you think you’re being scammed, take this quiz!
Never click on any suspicious links received via text message or email. If you are unsure the delivery notification or request for information is valid, call the courier to confirm or head directly to the courier’s website. You can also contact the online retailer to get the details of their courier.
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Valuable Resources For Safe Online Shopping This Season
Keep these links handy this shopping season.
1.Online Shopping Scams
Head to ScamWatch for more information about online shopping scams and suspicious activity.
2.Report a Cybercrime
If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of a cybercrime, report it to the ACSC. If you’ve lost money to a scam, here’s where to get help.
Need Cyber Advice?
You can contact the ACSC’s cyber security advice line on 1300 CYBER1 when in doubt. If you need cyber security advice for your business, get in touch with the cyber security experts at PROTECT+.
Find out more about how to stay safe online and read more cyber tips on the PROTECT+ website.
