While earlier the internet only connected people, today it has created a boom by connecting businesses. The internet today has come out as a new medium for shopping. Online shopping has grown strongly popular and is one of the fastest growing businesses across the globe. Shopping today has surpassed the boundaries of visitingalls, shopping outlets and stores. Online shopping has changed the old-fashioned ways of shopping. Everyone, be it the men or the women, younger generation or the older, all are going online and shopping. Today a lot of companies are creating online stores and hence creating their social presence. There are stores to cater both to the needs of sellers and buyers.
No matter, what kind of products you are looking for, you can find almost everything on the internet. Online shopping provides you with the convenience of shopping 24/7 without actually moving around. It provides you with the ease of having all the products under one roof. The product range in online shopping is mind boggling. There are huge bargain offers and the shipping of the product is really fast. You can have the product at your doorstep without actually moving out of your home.
Online shopping today has become more of a routine rather than a hobby. Billions of people today shop online.The combination of speed, convenience, diverse range of products, good deals on the product and the option of sending the product back if unsatisfied has made us addicted to online shopping. It has become so rampant also because people are saved from the pain of standing in long queues at the cash counter. But we must also remember to be careful while shopping online. You not only need your credit card but also a little awareness while shopping online. Here are five easy to follow online shopping tips:
Tip 1: Always shop from trusted websites
Always look for trusted, well known and respectable online retailers. With many E-shopping portals coming up, you need to be extra careful while shopping. Websites that are certified by Internet Trust Organizations such as 'BB online', must be preferred since they protect your privacy. Beware of misspellings and resist the temptation of the enticing sales.
Tip 2: Identify a secure web transaction
Never, ever buy anything from a website that does not have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. One way to know whether the site has SSL is to confirm that the site starts from HTTPS: //, instead of just an HTTP. Also a padlock symbol appears on the URL in the address bar.
Tip 3: keep it a secret
Always keep your personal details a secret. Never shell out details about your credit card or any other bank details unless absolute necessary. Be careful when it comes to entering personal information. Giving away too much information can give the hackers the required edge.
Tip 4: Be careful while using network
If you are thinking of using a public terminal to shop online, think again. If you still want to go ahead with the public terminals, remember to log out every time. Even if you are doing something as simple as checking a mail, be attentive. Also always use the trusted Wi-Fi connection or better a privatized one. Also inoculate your computer with antivirus software.
Tip 5: keep checking statements
Never wait for the month end to go and check your bank statements. Go regularly to check your statements ie your credit, debit statements. Keep checking your online shopping receipt via mail. Keep a check for any sort of changes in the statement. If you find anything inappropriate address the issue immediately.
Applying these small tactics will save you from being a target of a cyber fraud.
Go connected, go shopping …