The internet has undoubtedly revolutionised the world shopping; shopping online is convenient, effortless, and it can often save you an absolutely massive amount of money when compared against the high street. Unfortunately, there are risks involved, and you need to be sure that you’re taking all the necessary precautions when you’re about to click the ‘Checkout’ button.

What Are The Risks Of Online Shopping?

While they have reduced over the years, there are still risks associated with online shopping, just as there are with any other form of transaction in a retail environment. The three main risks that anyone beginning their online buying journey should be aware of are as follows:

1. Fraud – this usually occurs after an individual attempts to make a purchase over an unsecured web server, thus having their details stolen by someone who has intercepted their data transmission, who then goes on to use their details themselves.
2. Fake Shops – this results from a person setting up a website for goods that do not exist. Commonly associated with ticket touts, this form of fraud is unfortunately a reasonably common occurrence.
3. Receiving The Wrong Product – unfortunately, shopping online does not allow you to physically see the product before you purchase, except in photographs which the retailer chooses to show you. This can result in your receiving goods which are not what you expected.

So How Can You Stay Safe?

Firstly, no matter what you are buying, try to make sure that if you are unfamiliar with a retailer, you do some background research on the company before you go ahead and make the purchase. Even the savviest internet shoppers can be caught out occasionally because they feel like they can judge a website by its cover, but this is not always the case. A quick search of Google will reveal any problems other people have had with the company you’re about to give your money to.

Remember that paying on credit card is one of the best ways to protect yourself, and a debit card does not afford you the same protection. Simply pay on credit card and set up a direct debit to pay off the balance so you do not incur any charges, and this will guarantee that you are protected in case of fraud or non-delivery of your item.

Finally, and arguably most important, whether you’re buying a small product to top up your dark red hair dye colour, or if you’re buying a new flat screen TV, make sure that when you are entering your payment details that the link is secure. The web address should start with https:// rather than the normal http://, and there will likely be a padlock symbol in your browser window (locations vary depending on your choice of browser). This lets you know that the page is using encryption software, which makes sure that the details you are sending to the site are not visible to anyone but yourself.