Online shopping has made buying things very convenient, but it also means your personal and payment details are being sent over the internet. There are a few simple habits that make online shopping much safer, without needing to understand any technical details.
Stick to Websites You Know
The safest online shops are ones you’ve heard of or that come with a personal recommendation. Large retailers like Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, or your supermarket’s website are well established. If you’re buying from a website you’ve never seen before, do a quick search for the company’s name plus the word “reviews” to see what other shoppers say.
Look for the Padlock Symbol
Before you enter any payment details, look at the web address at the top of your browser. It should start with “https” — the ‘s’ stands for secure. You’ll also see a small padlock icon. This means the information you send is encrypted, which makes it much harder for anyone to intercept it. Never enter card details on a site without this padlock.
Use a Credit Card or PayPal When Possible
Credit cards offer extra protection for online purchases. In the UK, purchases between £100 and £30,000 on a credit card are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act — meaning you can get your money back if something goes wrong. PayPal also has a buyer protection scheme. Debit cards offer less protection, so where possible, use a credit card for online shopping.
Don’t Save Your Card Details
Many websites offer to save your card details so you can shop faster next time. This is convenient but adds risk if that website is ever hacked. It’s safer to enter your card details each time, especially on smaller or less well-known sites.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Avoid shopping online when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi in a café, library, or shopping centre. These networks are shared with strangers and can sometimes be monitored. Save your shopping for when you’re on your home network.
Check Your Bank Statements
Even with all the right precautions, it’s worth reviewing your bank or card statement once a month. If you see a charge you don’t recognise, contact your bank straight away. Most banks are quick to investigate and reverse fraudulent charges.