Tips for Safe Online Shopping

James O. James james.o@processcareit.com via mail23.wdc03.rsgsv.net 

Tips for Safe Online Shopping
It's important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online.

Online shopping is convenient, easy, and quick. 
But before you start adding items to your cart, 
make sure you are up-to-date and have the latest 
security software, web browers and operating system. 
Keeping a clean machine is the best defense against 
viruses, malware, and other online threats.

Here are some other ways to protect yourself when shopping online:
Check out sellers:
Conduct independent research before you buy from a seller you have never 
done business with. Some attackers try to trick you by creating malicious 
websites that appear legitimate, so you should verify the site before 
supplying any information. Locate and note phone numbers and physical 
addresses of vendors in case there is a problem with your transaction or your bill.
Search for merchant reviews.
Make sure the site is legitimate: Before you enter your personal and 
financial information to make an online transaction, look for signs 
that the site is secure. This includes a closed padlock on your web 
browser’s address bar or a URL address that begins with shttp or https. 
This indicates that the purchase is encrypted or secured. 
Never use unsecured wireless networks to make an online purchase. 
Protect your personal information:
When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information
 being collected to complete the transaction. Make sure you think it 
is necessary for the vendor to request that information. Remember, 
you only need to fill out required fields on a vendors checkout form. 
Before providing personal or financial information, check the website's 
privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be 
stored and used. Use safe payment options: Credit cards are generally
 the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the 
issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered. 
Also, unlike debit cards, credit cards may have a limit on the 
monetary amount you will be responsible for paying if your 
information is stolen and used by someone else. Never send 
cash through the mail or use a money-wiring service because 
you’ll have no recourse if something goes wrong. Don’t forget 
to review return policies. You want a no-hassle ability to return items.
Keep a paper trail:
Print and save records of your online transactions, including 
the product description, price, online receipt, terms of the sale, 
and copies of any email exchange with the seller. Read your credit 
card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren’t 
any unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, call your
 bank and report it immediately.
Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping:
Many people leave their computers running and connected to the 
Internet all day and night. This gives scammers 24/7 access to
your computer to install malware and commit cyber crimes. To be 
safe, turn off your computer when it's not in use.
Be wary of emails requesting information:
Attackers may attempt to gather information by sending emails 
requesting that you confirm purchase or account information. 
Legitimate businesses will not solicit this type of information 
through email. Contact the merchant directly if you are alerted 
to a problem. Use contact information found on your account 
statement, not in the email. Protect Yourself with these STOP.

Keep a clean machine:
Having the latest security software, web browser and operating 
system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
Make passwords long and strong:
Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols 
to create a more secure password. Unique account, unique password: 
Separate passwords for every account helps thwart cybercriminals.
When in doubt, throw it out:
Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often 
the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks
 suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or 
if appropriate, mark as junk email
Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots:
Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security 
settings on your device to limit who can access your machine.
Protect your $$:
When banking and shopping, check to be sure the sites is security enabled. 
Look for web addresses with “https://” or “shttp://”, 
which means the site takes extra measures to help 
secure your information. “Http://” is not secure.
Think before you act:
Be wary of communications that implores you to act 
immediately, offers something that sounds too good to be true, 
or asks for personal information
Help the authorities fight cybercrime:
Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to 
the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your 
local law enforcement or state attorney general as appropriate.
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ProcessCare IT Limited
ICT Suite FF04, Plot 4
Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5
Abuja 23401
Nigeria

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