By shopping online you have hundreds of stores at your fingertips and can purchase anything you need, from tractor parts to workshop manuals for equipment. What’s more, despite the urban legends, it can be quite safe, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. Only shop on reputable websites and make sure your web browser and antivirus are up to date (the latest versions) as online fraudsters are always changing their modus operandi.
Secure
Make sure the website you’re shopping on is secure. The web address must start with https:// (hyper text transfer protocol secure). A secure website employs state-of-the-art encryption technology and SSL (secure sockets layer) using a very complex system of key exchanges between your browser and the server you are communicating with, encrypting the data before sending it over the web, making a credit card transaction perfectly safe.
Padlock
In addition, make sure your credit card has online fraud protection (a debit card doesn’t have this safety feature).Also ensure the site you’re shopping on has the locked padlock symbol at the bottom left of the screen or in the web address of the browser. This isn’t just a picture. Click on it to view the website’s certificate of security. Keep a hard copy record of your online purchases by writing down the date and time of your transaction and order confirmation number.
Public
Don’t shop online using public computers. You have no idea what recording devices could have been installed, and it’s just not safe. Once you get the hang of it, online shopping won’t be so daunting and you’ll realise it’s safe, efficient and enjoyable if you adhere to the precautions mentioned. Scan the QR code provided here to see a Youtube video on safe online shopping, or go to goo.gl/B9X6v.
Compare
Also worth visiting is www.pricecheck.co.za, SA’s number one shopping comparison website. In conjunction with leading retail stores, it offers the internet shopper the best prices and specials, as well as product reviews.
