Online shopping has become a regular practice for many people, but with convenience comes increased risks. Cybercriminals continuously refine their tactics, making it essential to know how to secure your finances and personal information.
To avoid falling victim to scammers while shopping online, follow these simple yet effective guidelines:
Opt for cash on delivery. Scammers often sell nonexistent products at enticing prices. Their goal is to get an advance payment from you and disappear with your money.
Check prices across multiple platforms. Fraudsters create fake websites for popular stores and offer "exclusive" discounts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Be cautious with links. Avoid clicking on suspicious links from emails, social media, or messaging apps. Scammers can create phishing sites that visually mimic real stores. Pay attention to the URL – even a slight variation can indicate a scam. Also, ensure the secure protocol https is present at the beginning of the URL.
Do not enter payment information on unfamiliar websites. Before making a payment, check the store's reputation by reading reviews and looking for information on independent sites. If the platform allows payment upon delivery, consider using this option.
Never share your card details with third parties. Your card number, CVV code, and one-time bank confirmation codes are keys to your funds. Bank employees never ask for this information.
Use a separate card for online transactions. Load it with funds just before making a purchase to minimize the risk of losing money in case of data compromise.
Ensure that 3D Secure is activated on your card. This technology provides an additional verification step when making online payments. However, the store must also support it – if the platform does not require payment confirmation, it could be a warning sign.
Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi networks. Open networks can be compromised, allowing criminals to intercept sensitive data.
Check QR codes in public places. Criminals may place QR codes leading to fake websites in crowded areas. Always verify the URL after scanning and avoid QR codes from unknown sources.
For more tips on payment security, visit the official website of your national bank.
Stay cautious – and your online shopping can be safe!
Department of Cyber Police, National Police of Ukraine