Column: Tips for safe online shopping
I know it’s not even Halloween. But when has that ever stopped any of us from doing a little pre-holiday online shopping?
Certainly not me. A gift here, a gift there is easier on my budget than one mega-shopping excursion showing up on a credit card statement. You can have Black Friday; I’ll take gradual gifting any day.
Regardless of what time of year you do your shopping, and regardless if it’s for the holidays or just because, it’s important to take precautions when shopping online.
Because it’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month, now seems like a good time for a refresher course on shopping safely online, compliments of your BBB and the global “Stop. Think. Connect.” campaign.
• Keep a clean machine.
It’s imperative that you have the latest and greatest security software, Web browser and operating system to combat viruses, malware and other online threats. But it’s not good enough to just have them — you need to keep them updated.
• Protect your personal information.
Strong passwords — not to be confused with “12345” or “password” — make it difficult for cyber crooks to break into your online accounts. Remember, it’s not OK to use the same password for all the sites you visit, either. If you need help remembering your passwords, it’s OK to write them down as long — and this is key — that you store them in a secure place away from your computer.
• Protect your money.
Look for Web addresses that begin or end with “s” — “https://” or “shttp://” — and keep in mind that no “s” means the site is not secure. A locked padlock next to the URL is another indicator the site is secure.
Purchases made by credit cards are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act, which allows customers to briefly withhold payment while a problem is reviewed and resolved. This act also protects customers in the event that credit card information is stolen and used without permission.
• Look for trustmarks.
Can a website be trusted? The BBB Accredited Business Seal, if clicked, will take you directly to that company’s BBB Business Review where you can review the business’s longevity, pattern of complaints — if any — and customer reviews.
• Be careful what you click.
Links in email, posts and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or mark as junk mail. Remember that what you do online has the potential to affect everyone — at home, at work and around the world. Practicing good online habits benefits the global digital community.
If you find that your finances or identity have been stolen, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement and state attorney general.
Luanne Kadlub is communications editor for BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming. For more consumer information, visit BBB at wynco.bbb.org or call (800) 564-0371.