By New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-C-Rome, 53rd Senate District
Many people shop online during the holiday season.
While this option is more convenient for some, there also are risks involved with this activity.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself when making online purchases. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following tips:
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Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you shop with a legitimate site. If the site is missing contact information, that is a red flag.
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Check the site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “HTTPS://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.
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Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal data is requested and how it will be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, it’s a big red flag that may be a scam.
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Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy clothing that don’t match promotional hype.
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Beware of phishing. Phishing emails can look like a message from a well-known brand, but clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/ or identity theft. One popular scam claims to be from a package-delivery company with links to “tracking information” on an order you don’t remember making. Don’t click!
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Shop with a credit card. In a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protection; it’s easier to dispute charges you didn’t approve or get your money back if there is a problem. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or gift cards don’t have the same protection as credit cards.
- Keep a clean machine. Install a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software for network security. Check for and install the latest updates and run virus scans regularly on your computer, tablet, and smartphone.
Unfortunately, online shopping can be a boon for criminals who may steal your package right off your doorstep.
Package thieves, often called “porch pirates,” poached more than $12 billion in merchandise over the past year, while 58 million Americans have been victimized by porch pirates in the last 12 months, according to security.org.
What can you do to prevent your package from being stolen?
The BBB recommends that, if possible, you ask a neighbor, friend or relative stop by and pick up expected deliveries if you won’t be home, track packages online, through text message or phone call, check with your employer to see if a package can be delivered to your workplace and/or request a signature so that the delivery service doesn’t leave your package exposed on a doorstep.
