Online Purchase Parameters Fortified and Simplified
When it comes to making online purchases, we are all so aware of the dangers that come with a lack of protection or facilitation. You might be asking how you can take the necessary steps to fortify and simplify your online purchasing parameters.
The answer is in "how-to" guides such as this one.
Here are six simple steps to follow when buying something online:
Offer - Check any promotional codes before making your offer, such as free shipping on select items; it may make a big difference. Price - Be sure to check the latest deals on any site before proceeding with a purchase; if you find something better elsewhere, cancel your order and buy at the new store instead. Delivery - Make sure to track your parcel right after you've made the purchase so you can confirm its status; always opt for fast courier services if you're concerned about a delayed delivery. Return and exchange policy - Check the return policy of any site and determine whether or not it allows for returning your item in case its not comfortable with the quality. Payment method - Using credit cards gives you more protection from fraud, but check on what other payment options are available before making a purchase.
During the online buying process, one should also consider other factors such as payment methods and shipping procedure when making an order. By following the steps in this article, you will improve your chances of avoiding online scams.
It is also important to take time and read the terms and conditions offered by a vendor; you can be sure that in most cases, such details will be just a few clicks away from the main page.
Lastly, all buying decisions come with consequences; if any unfortunate event should occur while or after purchasing, make sure that you can handle it calmly. After all, the biggest enemy of any purchase is regret.
Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Fortify-and-Simplify-Your-Online-Purchasing-Parameters . [Accessed: 31 May 2017]. ].
Title: How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Fraud
Author: Shemane Nugent
Publication: Bankrate.com. [online] [Cited May 31 2017]; Available from: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/consumer-index/how-to-protect-yourself-from-online-shopping-fraud.aspx .
Title: Are You A Victim of Identity Theft? Learn the Warning Signs of Security Breaches and Avoid Becoming a Victim! | Identity Theft Protection Tips | IdentityTheftSecurity .
"According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, online identity theft is the fastest-growing type of consumer fraud." (Source: https://www.idtheftsecurity.com/how-to-avoid-online-shopping-fraud) .
Title: How to Avoid Identity Theft Online
Next time you have your credit card ready for a purchase online, it's important that you consider and then review how you are logged into your account before making a purchase as well as the third party vendor they use to process payments for them because this can provide extra security in case of any fraudulent activity from their end or your lack of vigilance when logging in on time. In this article, you will learn how to avoid being a victim online and what are the necessary steps you must follow for added protection.
First of all, since personal information can be easily stolen online for money laundering purposes and any other illegal activities, it is very important that you secure your accounts by using strong passwords with a minimum of 8 characters; don't use the same ones over and over again as this is a perfect way to be hacked!
Secondly, go through your banking records immediately so you can see which transactions have been logged in and give credit card numbers or receipts to your bank for additional assistance. Always get receipts for all purchases and immediately report any incidents to the credit card company and/or bank. If you're having trouble receiving a new card, make sure you give them as much information as you can including your passport or driver's license number. Never give out your social security number over the phone.
If you are comfortable with doing so, occasionally check your accounts online; this will alert you to any fraudulent transactions immediately. Also, most financial institutions allow you to check your credit report for free once a year; make sure that you do this at least once in a while so that you can stay informed about any transactions that might have gone through online. If you notice something unusual or need to confirm previous transactions, provide your bank information and ask them to do so. Also, it is a wise idea to obtain a copy of your credit report every three months or so so you can see what other past transactions were made on your account.
Lastly, always be aware of any purchases that you have not authorized; this is not a reason to panic nor does it mean you are the victim of fraud but simply a sign that there is something wrong. You can check this by doing the following: view the purchase history to see if there are any unauthorized purchases; if they match, contact the vendor and report it immediately; additionally, check your bank accounts for unauthorized deposits or withdrawals and contact your financial institution for help. Lastly, you can also contact the credit bureaus to get a copy of your report.
Also, if you find that your accounts have been compromised after making purchases on a website that uses an order number or receipt number as the access code, make sure to call them and get as much information about the purchase as possible such as site name, date and time of purchase, etc. . If you're still in doubt and need more clarification about these types of transactions, contact your bank immediately and provide them with any additional information regarding these fraudulent transactions.
Conclusion
In this article, we provided you with ways you can save time and improve the way you shop online while avoiding fraudulent activities from third parties. Although it might take time to adjust, having a better understanding about how these scams work will ensure that your next purchase does not come with any compromise or worry. It is also important that you learn how to protect yourself from these fraudsters as they tend to victimize people who don't know how to protect themselves which can sometimes lead to identity theft and other financial crimes.