Shop safely online

How not to get utterly scammed

Is online shopping safe? Buying stuff on the web can be quicker and easier than dragging yourself round the high street, but you need to know how to shop safely online without running the risk of someone stealing your details and going on a spending spree.

Look for padlock symbols

Secure sites have a little padlock or unbroken key symbol displayed next to the URL or at the bottom of the browser window. You can find out more about what these symbols mean here.

The lock symbol is important – it means your financial details will be encrypted (scrambled) so they can’t be read by anybody while in transit. This means your credit card information is safe while it makes the journey from your computer to the website’s servers.

Check the URL address

The start of the URL will change from ‘http://’ to ‘https://’ if you are shopping over a secure connection indicating that the e-tailer has a secure server. This might not appear until you reach the payment stage, or view the contents of your electronic trolley or basket.

Buy British online

Not a load of xenophobic flag-waving, honest! If you buy goods from UK-based sites then you’re protected by the same consumer laws covering high street shops. So if the goods are faulty or fail to arrive, your rights are protected.

The exception to this rule is when you are buying from a single individual, rather than a business. If you want to buy something from another country read our advice on buying overseas goods first.

Pay by credit card online

One of the key thing to do to shop safely online is to be careful which sites you’re putting your card details into. For purchases over £100, it might be better to use a credit card, rather than a debit card, because you get additional protection if the organisation fails to deliver your goods. You will be protected against credit card fraud in most cases. Worried about credit card debt? Check out this article.

In addition to the safety precautions mentioned above, an increasing number of individuals are exploring alternative payment methods, such as pay later services, to enhance their online shopping experience. Pay later options allow consumers to defer payment for their purchases, providing flexibility and convenience. This approach is particularly appealing to those who may be concerned about credit card debt or prefer to manage their finances differently. In the United States, many online stores offer pay later services, allowing customers to buy now and pay at a later date. Stores That Accept Amazon Pay, for instance, provide a seamless and secure payment option for users. Exploring these alternatives empowers consumers to make informed choices based on their preferences and financial circumstances. As the digital landscape evolves, individuals are increasingly seeking not only secure payment methods but also flexible options that align with their financial needs.

Read the small print

A good site will give you full details about delivery, refund policies and privacy agreements. There should also be contact details including full address and telephone number. Be particularly wary if there are no contact details, or if the postal address is just a PO box number.

Trust your instincts

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Getting a bad feeling about an online sale? Don’t go through with it! If you think a site is OK, but you don’t think their security is good enough, make your purchase over the phone with a credit card.

When you’re unsure about a site’s background, do a bit of research. Find user reviews or comments on other sites, and if the site you’re looking at has caused problems for other people, you’ll soon be able to find out about them.

Equally, sites with a good reputation will be mentioned on people’s blogs and homepages. Go with recommendations from people you know: good sites that treat customers well often get more custom through word of mouth and reviews. If you’ve found a website you’ve never heard of before and are scratching your head wondering is online shopping safe, check out some review sites for reassurance.

Keep a note

Print off and keep a copy of the online confirmation of your order. It’s a bit like keeping your till receipts.

Keep it separate

Get yourself a second credit card that you use only for online shopping. Keep the credit limit low, and make sure the balance is paid off every month by direct debit from a bank account. If this credit account gets compromised online, just throw it away and open a new one.

So, shop safely and keep contributing to the inexorable march of the capitalist machine! For more financial advice and information: