November Consumer Tip of the Month: Shopping Safely Online
With the holiday shopping upon us, you want to protect your personal information, finances and account information when shopping online. Here's how:
Shop only on trusted websites from retailers you are familiar with. In the era of social media marketing and influencers, consumers should use extreme caution when clicking on links on the online marketplace, and from unfamiliar third-party vendors. Too often than not, the prices are better but the merchandise are knock-offs or of inferior quality.
Take the time to read the seller’s policies, review ratings, and read consumer comments. Doing a broad online search of the company name followed by the word ‘complaints’ may reveal an important history you want to know about.
Avoid using a debit card when making a purchase online. A credit card provides better protection if you have to file a dispute or if your account is compromised. Also verify that the website is encrypted (look for the https or the padlock key). Don’t keep your credit card on file for future purchases, rather provide your credit card number each time you make a purchase.
Designate one credit card and one email address for your online shopping. This will allow for quick, easy review of purchases and provide protection and one-stop access in case of a dispute.
To learn more on how you can keep safe when shopping, and other consumer tips and resources, follow this link to the MOCI website: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/moci
Listen to the Consumer Toolbox podcast with Director Johnson!
Episode 3: The Many Scams of Christmas
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351954/6600523-episode-3-the-many-scams-of-christmas