Pro Tips to Protect Privacy When Shopping Online

Online shopping has made life easier than ever, giving you the freedom to shop from home and find the best deals with just a few clicks. Whether you’re picking up gifts, treating yourself or finding everyday essentials, shopping online is a total game-changer. But here’s the deal: with great power comes great responsibility. While it’s all fun and games getting those bargains, you need to be smart about protecting your personal information. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be shopping securely — and stress-free — in no time.

Stick to Trusted Websites

First rule of online shopping? Stick to websites you know and trust. If you haven’t heard of a site, do a quick search to see if others have had a good experience. Avoid clicking on shady links from emails or social media posts. They might lead to fake websites that look just like the real deal. Trust us, scammers are crafty. One smart practice is to go directly to the website you’re purchasing from instead of following a link.

Protect Your Personal Info

Once you’ve found a trusted site, keep your info safe with these simple tips:

• Shop from secure networks: Public Wi-Fi? Great for browsing cat videos, not so great for shopping. Always use a private, secure network when making purchases. Your info is too valuable to risk on an unsecured network.
• Look for https://: You’re about to enter your payment info — double-check the URL first! It should start with https://. The “s” stands for secure and ensures the website has extra layers of protection so your personal info stays safe.
• Use a credit card for extra protection: Many major credit cards offer fraud protection, so if something goes wrong you’re more likely to get your money back. You may also get better dispute rights with a credit card than with a debit card, and credit companies will likely work hard to help you get your money back. So go ahead — swipe with confidence!
• Only enter what’s needed: Don’t give away more than you have to. You shouldn’t need to share your Social Security number or birthdate for a simple online purchase. Stick to the basics like your name, address and payment info. Keep your private details to yourself.
• Create strong, unique passwords: “123456” just doesn’t cut it anymore. Create strong, unique passwords for every online shopping account you have. Even major retailers like Target, Home Depot and eBay have reported major data breaches in recent years. Don’t risk using the same password on multiple sites! A unique password for each site keeps you safer from scammers.

Guard Your Card With Card Controls

Another way to protect your money and prevent fraud is to use Horizon card controls. With just a few button clicks from your phone or computer, you can guard your card wherever you go! Visit HZCU.ORG/GUARDYOURCARD and set your custom settings today.

Now that you’re armed with this information, it’s time to put it in action! Your personal details valuable, and protecting them should always be a priority. Take control, stay ahead of potential threats and shop with confidence every time.

Read more articles like this on HZCU’s Financial Knowledge Hub.