How to Shop Safely Online

Shopping online has brought millions of Aussies to the Internet to explore some of the best in shopping venues. According to the NAB Online Retail Sales Index 3/4ths of 2011 online sales were with domestic retailers and the remaining 27 percent with overseas based retailers. In the twelve months leading up to this past April, online sales dollar amounts totaled $11 billion. Each month there seems to be a higher percentage of Aussies that shop online for one type of merchandise or another.

The Internet has brought a great advantage to shoppers and that is convenience and savings. Aussies can purchase everything imaginable online from groceries to holidays to clothing to electronics to toys to software to music to furniture and so on. Unfortunately, even with becoming one of the best shopping outlets available to consumers, there is still the conce
of shopping safely online. According to Microsoft Safety and Security consumers can protect themselves by following the following safety precautions when they shop online.

How to Safely Shop Online

1. Search the website for signs that the business is a legitimate business. Look for sites that have third party seals of approval such as TRUSTe Certified Privacy and the Better Business Bureau. www.bbb.org These are organizations that support the legitimacy of companies. If there are seals listed on the site, then click on the seal to make sure that they connect with the organization. This shows that the website does have the permission of the retailer to place their logo on their site. If it does not connect, look for another site.

2. Ask family, friends and other shoppers about their online shopping experiences with a particular company. Online sites such as Epinions.com and review sites offer customer evaluations and feedback that can help to determine the reputability and legitimacy of a company. Scam sites are another place that you might access to see if there is any information in regards to the company , product or service.

3. Look for signs that the website protects your personal data. It is important that when you get to the checkout page that there is an “S” that follows http://. In other words, the address on the page should start with https:// which shows that the website is secure and the site is taking all measure to ensure the privacy and security of your personal information. Also, check the address bar for a tiny closed padlock on the lower right corner of the window which is another sign the site is secure.

4. Use a filter that alerts you to suspicious websites and blocks visits to reported phishing sites.

5. Be certain to keep your web browser up to date.
While it would be nice to think that all online retailers are reputable, they are not, and it is important that consumers protect themselves when they shop online. When you follow the above guidelines you protect yourself from illegitimate companies and ensure a safe shopping experience.