How can Consumers stay safe while shopping on-line?

The world has certainly changed with the introduction of on-line shopping.

The convenience of purchasing an item without leaving home is a viable option for many Jamaican consumers who use their credit card for online transactions.

However, there are several risks associated with on-line shopping so here are a few tips to help consumers protect themselves:

• Research the company that is selling the product. (Check customer reviews and call/email company)
• Watch out for spammers. (Check the subject line in the email address as spammers usually send emails to multiple recipients)
• Destroy any document with personal or financial information before throwing it away.
• Make sure the website is encrypted. Check that the address begins with ‘https’ rather than just ‘http’ before pushing the send button. The added ‘s’ means the site is encrypted and secure.
• Review the website’s return policies.
• Ensure that your computer has a comprehensive security software tool to help prevent viruses, identity theft and fraud, and check for updates regularly to protect yourself from the latest threats.
• Listen to your instincts. If you feel that the website is shady because of inflated claims or lack of contact information then its probably best to shop elsewhere.
• Check your bills and purchases. Print and save your online bills, and compare them to your credit card or bank statement to ensure that the bill is correct. Check your purchases immediately as it is received to make sure it’s what you ordered and is of good quality.

Hope these tips help! Let me hear how you stay safe while shopping on-line!

Tags: consumer, safety, shopping