Safety Tips for Online Shopping
Online shopping in India has become increasingly popular, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks and threats associated with it. Here are some key points:
Common Online shopping Threats and How to Pevent them
1.
Account takeover
- Weak passwords and inadequate security settings pose significant risks to your online shopping accounts.
- Hackers employ various techniques, including brute force attacks and phishing scams, to exploit weak credentials and gain entry into accounts.
- Once compromised, your personal information and financial information can be misused
Online shopping scam: 2 held for Rs 12-lakh fraud in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad News – The Indian Express
Follow good password management
Follow the below guidelines to safeguard your online shopping accounts:
- Create unique and complex passwords for your accounts.
- Setup account recovery options to recover your account in case it is compromised.
- Monitor and change your passwords frequently
- Follow this link for more information Create Strong Passwords for Your Online accounts – InfoSecyour
2.
Dubious e-commerce sites
- Misuse of Credit Cards: One of the primary concerns is the misuse of credit card information during online transactions. Ensure that you shop from secure websites that use encryption protocols (such as HTTPS) to protect your sensitive data.
- Leakage of Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal details like your address, phone number, or email. Only provide this information to trusted and reputable online retailers.
- Sale of counterfeit or poor quality products
4 Arrested For Online Shopping Fraud Worth Rs 8 Lakh In Delhi (ndtv.com)
Use Trusted Websites
Stick to well-known and reputable e-commerce websites when making online purchases. Look for secure HTTPS connections and familiar payment gateways to ensure a safe transaction environment.
Cash on Delivery (COD)
While COD is convenient, it’s essential to verify the product’s quality before paying. Some fraudulent sellers may send substandard items.
3.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. These scams often come in the form of fake emails or websites that mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into providing their personal information. Some of the common tactics use are:
- Limited Time Offers: They present offers that are valid only for a short period, creating urgency.
- Unbelievably Low Prices: Scammers lure victims with incredibly low prices or “exclusive” offers.
Exercise caution
Exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, especially those claiming to offer exclusive deals or discounts. Avoid providing personal or financial information in response to unsolicited emails, as they may be phishing attempts.
Stay Informed
Surprisingly, over 15% of online shoppers in India are unaware of cyber risks. Stay informed and educate yourself about safe online practices. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or fraudulent websites to the appropriate authorities. Follow our Cybercrime News Feed – InfoSecyour
Use Malware protection
- Clicking on links shared by scammers may introduce malware into your devices.
- Keep your devices updated with security patches and use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware and phishing attempts.