Topic: Ways to Stay Safe When Shopping Online.

Buying items on the internet allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from the website of the seller. This can be done using a range of different computers and devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones.

Online shopping has eliminated the stressful process the buyer goes through to physically search for products to purchase, and with the aid of internet and technology, the buyer can simply browse the internet for products they are interested in and make payment to the website of the seller with a credit of debit card, or through a bank transfer.

However, shopping online comes with its risks, and below are a few guidelines on how you can stay safe when shopping online.

1.) Shop from Reputable Companies: When you want to buy products online, it is advised you buy from companies you already know and trust. That being said, new companies are born every day. So before you go through with your purchase, confirm that the company takes security seriously. Make sure the website url begins with “https” rather than “http”. The extra “s” indicates an added level of security and demonstrates that communications between the website and your browser are encrypted. If the website isn’t “https” secure, don’t provide your credit card information.

2.) Don't buy items on the internet using Public Wi-Fi: Even when shopping online with major companies that are sure to use “https,” never make purchases on a public Wi-Fi connection. These networks are risky for a few reasons. First, it’s hard to be sure that other people are not scanning the network’s activity and collecting users’ personal or financial information. Second, even on a seemingly trustworthy public Wi-Fi network such as a cafe or hotel connection, it’s possible that the network is actually being run by a malicious entity that is hiding their real identity by naming their network after popular restaurant or store nearby. The best thing to do is to have it at the back of your mind that public Wi-Fi is insecure. Never enter payment information, bank account details, or anything else you wouldn’t want in the hands of a stranger.

3.) Credit or Debit? : When shopping online, always use your credit card over a debit card if possible. In the unfortunate event your information is stolen, most credit cards provide two important benefits: first, many limit the amount of money for which you are responsible. Second, unlike debit cards, they don’t directly link to your financial accounts. Another great solution is to use payment processors such as escrow agents many of which offer specific benefits and protections for the consumer.

4.) Always remember not to Save Your Information: Regardless of who you are buying from on the internet, never ask a website to save your personal information. Although it’s tempting and incredibly convenient, it’s ultimately not worth the risk. Take the time to enter your payment details with every transaction. Data breaches happen at companies every day, and if the company you are shopping with has one, you could lose personal information. Spend an extra minute or two to type out your payment details, this will minimize the risk of your information being stolen, and it go a step further to guarantee your safety.

5.) Ensure that the website or market place is insured by an escrow agent like Atarapay: This is very important because it guarantees the customer gets their money back if there is a defect in the product purchased or there is a breach of agreement in the terms of the transaction.

Visit https://atarapay.com to know more about how escrow protects customers that shops on the internet.