Shopping online is a pleasure. No traffic, no crowds, no searching for a parking spot, but beware of scams.
There’s no getting around it; you need to keep your guard up. While shopping on legitimate, well-known sites belonging to your favorite department store or specialty shop is probably not going to be a problem, lesser-known sites that come up when you’re looking for a bargain and Googling something specific could be places for concern. The same can be said for auction sites such as eBay.
Here’s what you can do to ensure that all your online shopping is as secure as a trip to the mall:
- Call the retailer first. If you’re not sure about the website’s legitimacy, pick up the phone and try the number that is listed. Anyone can set up a website today, and it doesn’t take much to make it look like a legitimate company. Before entering your credit card number, see if you can talk to a live person. Not being able to find a phone number is a big red flag.
- Google the retailer and read the reviews. Are others sharing similar issues or complaints about the site you’re about to order from?
- Make sure the site is secure. In today’s online world, you don’t want to risk entering your credit card information online unless that site is encrypted. Encrypted websites have a URL that begins with the letters “https”, not just “http.” Look also for a lock icon next to the URL letting you know you’re entering a secure site. If it’s not secure, don’t shop at the site.
- Don’t input any more information than is necessary. There’s no reason why a company you’re ordering a sweatshirt from needs your date of birth, social security number or income level. Anyone asking for that type of information is either selling it to others for marketing purposes or is engaged in identity theft.
- Don’t click on links from unsolicited emails and be extra cautious with links from social media ads. Instead, find the site yourself through a search engine or type it in manually if you know it.
- Check your account activity often, especially during the holiday season. Make sure your transactions are correct and keep an eye out for any activity you do not recognize.
While shopping online is convenient, it’s also important to ensure that your information is safe. Exercise caution while you shop online, just as you would carefully guard your cash and credit cards when shopping at a busy mall during the holidays (see our recent post for more on that).
Category: Security
« Return to "Blog"
You May Also Like
Safe Holiday Shopping for You and Your Wallet
During the holidays, you and your finances go through A LOT. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we need to buy and check off the list, we lose sight of protecting our finances and ourselves.
Let MSGCU help keep you protected while also helping you check a few more items off your list.
5 scams to avoid this holiday season
It’s important to be mindful of online scams, especially now with the busy holiday season right around the corner. Protect yourself from these five common scams.
Video: Cybersecurity Practices Everyone Should Follow
Cybercrime is rampant, so take these preventive measures to keep you and your money safe.
Six Ways to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks
Learn what you can do to safeguard your money and personal information from criminals.
To shred or not to shred?
Read these handy tips to help determine if your items are recycle-bin ready or if you should safely shred them.
Easy Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
We all know how important it is to protect our identity. Read on for tips to prevent thieves from getting information from a place you may not think about: your trash.
Protect Your Finances and Identity While Traveling
Taking a trip or going on vacation is exciting! As you plan what to pack and sites to see, make sure protecting your finances and your identity are on your pre-trip list. MSGCU makes it easy with these tips.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Spoofing Scams
Modern technology has enabled scammers to be sneakier and harder to spot than ever before. Here’s what you need to know about spoofing and spoofing scams.
Stay safe from scams.
Financial institutions are seeing increases in fraud. Learn to spot the warning signs to avoid falling victim from texts like these.
Avoid Student Loan Scams
Student loan interest and payments have resumed from the pandemic pause, which means scammers are back to work. Read on to learn more about common student loan scams.
The 12 Days Scams of Christmas
'Tis the season for scammers to take advantage of the giving spirit and holiday hustle. Read on to help prevent these 12 common holiday season scams.
Keep Your Data Safe Online
A compromised computer can put you at risk for money loss, phishing scams, or even complete identity theft. Read on for steps you can take to keep yourself safe online.
Stay Safe During the Holiday Season
Sometimes we let our guard down due to the stress of the holiday season and thieves may try to exploit that. Read our tips to prevent becoming a holiday victim.
How Text Message Scams Typically Work
Do you know the warning signs of a text message scam? Learn how they work and what you can do to protect yourself.
Fall in Love, Not for Scams
Millions of people are looking for love, including scammers. Or, that’s what they want you to think.
Know the signs of an online romance scam so you don’t end up with a broken heart and drained bank account.
Keep safe from holiday scams
As the holiday season ramps up, keep your season cheery and bright by not falling for these holiday-related scams.
Use These 5 Easy Tips to Protect Yourself Online
We’re all online these days. Whether you work from home, are taking online classes, or simply enjoy scrolling through social media, keep your accounts protected and don’t let them be vulnerable. Protecting yourself online has never been more important.
Scammers are targeting teens and young adults. Learn how not to be a victim.
Young people are often preyed upon by scammers. Read on for more from MSGCU security experts to prevent you, or someone you love, from being a victim.
Scam prevention: Look out for these 7 red flags
Many Americans unfortunately fall prey to scams each year. Read on for seven common red flags from MSGCU security experts to raise your guard and help prevent you from falling victim to a scam.
Cryptocurrency: what it is and what risks to consider
Cryptocurrency continues gaining popularity. Read on for more about digital currency, including important risks to consider.
Know the signs of a Spear Phishing scam
It’s important to remain vigilant to the various types of cybersecurity scams. Learn what to look for so you don’t fall victim to a spear phishing scam.
Partner with us to help protect your accounts.
In addition to MSGCU's behind-the-scenes security features, there are additional tips you can use to help keep your information safe.
7 reasons to go paperless with your bank statements
Making the switch to paperless bank statements (eStatements) gives you added convenience and security benefits, which means less worry for you. Read on for seven reasons why paperless statements may be right for you.
Holiday shopping? Pay by phone to keep safe.
Holiday shopping? Paying by phone using your mobile wallet is a smart, safe choice in the checkout line this year.
How to make your stimulus check work for you