Tips for Hassle-Free online shopping safety
There has been an increase in online shopping, and the ways in which we shop are evolving.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of online shoppers rose from 4.7 million in 2011 to 9.8 million in 2021.
Aussies are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to online shopping, but shopping online is not without its risks.
The best way to shop hassle-free online is by following these tips:
1. Use only a secure internet connection
Check your connection
Most secure websites will have a lock in the address bar like this one, and it is important to make sure you are using a secure connection on your computer.
There are two types of internet connections; a secure connection is where you enter a security code or password before logging on, and an unsecured connection is anyone where you log on directly to a site.
Try to make sure your connection is secure by doing a few checks before you even start to shop online.
Look for a lock in the address bar and make sure your computer is plugged into the router and your internet is not password protected.
2. If in doubt, don’t shop online
Privacy protection
Make sure your computer or device is encrypted before you click the ‘buy’ button.
Look for a padlock in the address bar or a padlock icon in the top right-hand corner of the page. If the page is clear of both then it’s a safe sign your connection is secure hence you can do your shopping hassle-free.
Don’t reveal your personal information
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Victoria states, in its guidance that “If you’re shopping online then you’re carrying a high risk that your identity or your personal information will be collected and sold.”
Even if the information is encrypted, it may not be encrypted for long, and if you are trying to purchase something expensive it may be worth the extra risk of encryption.
Use an online payment service or credit card
Many online shopping platforms require you to purchase goods through a single payment system.
Shop around
Use different payment methods for different sites
Remember it is a double risk
If you receive something you did not order, alert the seller and give them a chance to rectify the situation.
This can result in the products being returned and the cost refunded.
3. Read reviews carefully
Don’t rely on just the ratings, read the full story to see if the buyer had a problem with the product
When you have received the item, don’t forget to look at it and read the description
These reviews will give you some insight into what to expect.
If the item still looks good, put it through
If it is in a lower than expected condition, report it to the seller.
If the seller has no record of the item, refuse to pay for it.
Refunds
If you are unhappy with an item, your refund is usually at the seller’s discretion.
If you refuse to pay, then the item is unlikely to be returned.
4. Use well-known security protocols
Use strong passwords to protect your account
You should also check your anti-virus software
Never share your passwords with anyone else
Use good credit card security
Keep any receipts from purchases in a safe
Only ever use cash if possible
Use a PayPal account so you can have multiple transactions through it
If you are concerned about the security of your online shop, speak to the company directly and ask for a replacement item or refund.
5. Look out for goods with poor quality
Be wary of deals being too good to be true, and buyer beware. Prices are not always set in stone, and those with faulty goods may be forced to send them back. Many reports of faulty goods on Black Friday and Cyber Monday are reported by buyers and not suppliers.
Where products are faulty or customers are left dissatisfied, they may take to social media and share the experience, causing a situation to spiral out of control, says Adrian Kavanagh, vice president of digital for Acosta.
6. Avoid spending money you don’t have
Research the item you want to buy, and only purchase it if you can afford it. Avoid paying in advance for services such as credit and debit cards, and only use credit cards where they are a secure form of payment.
Look out for deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Online shoppers should also be wary of websites not using secure certificates. ‘If it looks dodgy, then it probably is,’ says Simon Bensinger, consumer finance expert at uSwitch.
7. Be wary of email
If a retailer is selling a product that does not already exist, then a discount may not be genuine. ‘If a website’s URL matches another on the internet, you should take some care,’ says Consumer Affairs Minister Margot James.
8. Be on your guard against doorstep selling
There are some scammers who will call you out of the blue, offering to look at any item you are thinking of buying. These are some proven tips that have helped people not to be a victim of scammers. Use them and enjoy Hassle-Free Shopping. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
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