Shopping online has become a popular way of purchasing goods and services in the digital age, and has especially thrived after COVID-19. It offers convenience and accessibility, allowing shoppers to buy what they need from the comfort of their homes. 

However, online shopping still contains certain risks, such as identity theft, stolen data, and fake apps. In this blog, Wander Prints will provide some tips to help you stay secure when shopping online (no fee and easy to follow).

Best 9 tips to keep you safe while shopping

Here are some basic guidelines for you. Simply use some common sense and follow practical advice, and you can shop with confidence.

1. Use a secure website

You should use a private website that protects your information whenever you buy online. Websites with a secure symbol in the browser field and "https" in the URL are indicators that they are safe and your data will be transmitted using encryption. Moreover, remember to avoid shopping on websites that don't have these features.

2. Update your software

To guard against security vulnerabilities, keep your operating system, browser, and protection software up-to-date. Thieves frequently take advantage of security holes in out-of-date software to access your device or steal your data. Make sure to download software updates regularly and enable automatic updates whenever possible.

3. Use strong password

We encourage you to use capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and a distinct mix of these for each passcode you create. Stop using passwords that are simple to predict, like "123456" or "password", because they're so easy to guess. You can consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.

4. Protect your personal information

Take additional caution when deciding what information to provide on a website. Give only the basic details necessary to complete a transaction if you're unsure. Be cautious of strange phone messages or email requests demanding you confirm account information.

5. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi

You should avoid shopping or entering sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.

6. Don't click on suspicious links

Be cautious of emails or messages from unknown senders and avoid clicking on suspicious links. If you receive an email asking for personal information, contact the company directly to verify the request.

7. Research physical addresses and phone numbers

If you are in doubt, ensure that the company's provided phone number and location are correct. Searching for a location on Google Maps is an easy way of checking whether it is real. To be honest, it's important to point out that bigger online marketplaces like Amazon allow third-party vendors as well, and Amazon will manage any legal issues that might emerge.

8. Use a credit card

We advise you to use a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online, as credit cards offer fraud protection and you can dispute charges if you notice unauthorized activity on your account, while the other one offers limited protection against fraud.

9. Check your accounts regularly

Check your credit card and bank accounts regularly to ensure that there are no unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to be supported in the best way.

Safe Payment Terms at Wander Prints

We've just provided you with some tips for safe shopping online. So how about purchasing at Wander Prints?

At Wander Prints, we take your security very seriously and protect your information carefully. Only employees who need the information to perform a particular job (for example, billing or customer service) can access personally identifiable information. Our computers and servers always store personally identifiable information that is kept in a secure environment.

When you send sensitive payment information through our website, it will be flagged as fraudulent, and we will need to authenticate your payment. You may also be required to provide proof of transaction if there is any problem regarding the decline or failure of payments.

For more detailed information, you can reference ourPayment Method page. 

In conclusion, while Internet shopping is convenient, there are risks involved. Remember to use a secure website, update your software, use strong passwords, protect your personal information, be cautious of public Wi-Fi, avoid clicking on suspicious links, research physical addresses and phone numbers, use a credit card, and check your accounts regularly. Stay safe and have happy shopping!