Online shopping is here for the long haul; there is no doubt about it. Everything from Christmas presents to medication, to even groceries and pizza, can be purchased with nothing more than a few clicks of the mouse. And while this can be a daunting experience, with internet thieves lurking in the space between explorer windows, it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of care and precaution, shopping via the web can be safer than real-world shopping.
To streamline your daily errands and leave time for spa treatments and relaxation, without having to worry about identity theft and fraud, follow these guidelines and usher in a new age in your life as a consumer:
Guard Your Information
Don’t give any information—even your email address—out to anybody until you are ready to purchase something. You should not have to pay or give personal data just to find out the price of something or read a product’s specs.
Sometimes, in order to enhance your shopping experience you may be asked to provide information, but again, only do so when you are ready to place an order.
Providing your email address can inundate your email box with unwanted newsletters, coupons, and spam for items you’d never want or use. Generally, if they ask for too much information too soon, they are probably scamming you, just like the used car salesman that wants to take down your information and run a credit check before you’ve even picked out a car.
Update Your Computer
Upgrade your browser to the latest edition of whichever browser(s) you use. The updated browsers have enhanced security features that make you less vulnerable to cyber theft.
Keep your antivirus software subscription current to keep your computer free of viruses that may appear in spam email or accidental downloads.
Lastly, be sure that your firewall is up and working to ensure that your information is shared only with the person you intend to see it.
Use Paypal
Paypal is an amazing service that allows you to keep a checking account online. You can deposit money electronically from your checking account and even get a Paypal debit card to withdraw money from any ATM if you need to.
Paypal is among the most secure payment methods and, because you have to enter your information when you sign up, it keeps you from having to enter the same information over and over again.
Shop Trusted Websites
If you aren’t ready for Paypal and must use your credit or debit card, make sure to shop websites with names you trust and that everyone knows. Giving information to buy something from an established, well known website is much safer than buying a car online from Trusty Joe’s Jalopy Shack, and reputable sites will be quicker to resolve any issues you might have with your purchase.
Clear Your Browsing History
Some of the information you send over the internet from your computer is stored on the computer’s hard drive. Clearing your browsing history will prevent thieves from accessing this data.
To do this, go to “Tools” on your browsers menu bar and select “Delete Browsing History.”
For added security, delete the cookies—offline files a particular website leaves on your computer for later—by going into “Tools” again, then “options,” and browse until you find a button that says, “Delete Cookies.”
Avoid Pop-Ups
Pop-ups are a one-way ticket to nowhere. Block them with your browser’s built-in pop up blocker and never click on them. They will only ever lead to more pop-ups.
Occasionally clicking on a pop-up will install a program on your computer that will generate more pop-ups. If you notice your computer springing lots of irritating ads, disconnect from the internet and call a computer specialist.
Enjoy Cyberspace
While internet theft happens to one out of every 200 people, you are twice as likely to get on a plane with a drunken pilot, statistically speaking of course.
Use precaution and don’t be paranoid. Try to find new ways to use the internet. You will feel more confident and secure with the system each time your package shows up on your door-step. And just think about how little effort it took to get it there.
Some suggestions: Order a pizza and add toppings. Try to send your best friend a gift you bought online by having it shipped directly to her house. Send your mother flowers with a personalized message.
When you’re ready for the next level, book a flight. Make hotel accommodations months in advance. Keep your computer next to your TV and investigate the products you see on commercials.
If you’re still not sated, go grocery shopping from your desk chair, and, before they arrive at your door, buy a new desk chair, because by then you’ve already worn out your old one.
Matt Dimler is a freelance writer who writes about product reviews and offers tips about how to shop.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/shop-safelytips-for-shopping-online-1762098.html
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