The idea of being able to buy goods while on your couch from the internet without stress is an excellent one. However, some people still prefer to travel the distance to buy products they could easily get online simply because they don't feel safe enough.

Here are 7 Tips for safe online shopping:

1. Don’t fall for spams

Online shopping portals have their ways with promotional mails. The luring offers are so well bent with graphics that you almost click on the ‘shop now’ button. But get hold of yourself. Even if you find it relevant, don’t click on the mail offer. It’s advised to go directly on the retailer’s website. Even a reliable website can be hacked and send out a spam mail to get one’s bank account information.

2. When on phone, use the app not website

There are various advantages of using shopping app instead of phone’s web browser while e-shopping. During travel, shopping on app is easier than shopping on website. Moreover, mobile apps provide an additional layer of security to ensure your financial data is safe with the retailer. Websites can be easily hacked and are easy to track than smart phone applications.

3. Stay away from free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is a sweet pot for hackers and there are hundreds of them. So next time you are surfing in mall or super market, avoid using public Wi-Fi for your online shopping.

4. Read exchange/return policy before you buy

When you are buying a product online, e.g. clothes, you may come across post-purchase issues such as size, colour, fabric quality etc. which are unlikely to happen when you buy in retail store. Even the most renowned and reliable web portals have failed to maintain the consistent service at times. So better check exchange policy before closing the deal to avoid stories that touch

5. Save the invoice

Most of us are so excited after fetching the coolest deals on online sale that we forget to save order copy. But what if the site doesn’t support your order once you have done the payment? How will you track your order then? Hence, it’s always better to save a copy of order the moment it pops on the screen.

6. Keep an eye on your bank statements

Are your bank statements lying in the unread section of your mailbox? It’s time to open them on frequent basis. A quick look might give you an idea if your account is charged with any penalties.

Source: https://www.myuniverse.co.in/moneymoves/personal-finance/7-tips-for-safe-online-shopping

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cc Lalasticlala mynd44 dominique

FP Thread here!!!!

Nigeria is getting there sha. People want to get things easily, if they can trust the process and feel safe, more people will definitely buy online than in-store. Good one OP

Stay away from free Wifi ke

Omoh people buying online is the new norm oh, they even sell foodstuffs that people could only buy at the market online.

Even recharge cards, I rather buy it online, it's easier