The Dangers Of Online Shopping: How To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime

When we think of crime, the mental image we resurrect is usually one of armed robbers in balaclavas – but some of the worst crime actually happens from behind a computer screen.

Cybercrime is now a multi-billion dollar business, and it’s only getting worse. From ransomware to identity theft, online criminals have a range of nasty tricks up their sleeves. Check out Lookupinmate.org to see if someone has an arrest record. So how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?

In this article, we’re going to look at the various dangers of online shopping and how you can safeguard yourself against them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to stay safe when using the internet in general. So, let’s get started!

The nuanced cybercrime industry: how online shopping puts you at risk

Online shopping has completely revolutionized the way we purchase items, with a recent study finding that over two-thirds of US citizens say they shop online at least once per month. 

However, while e-commerce offers many benefits – such as convenience, 24/7 availability, a wider range of products, and competitive pricing – it also comes with inherent risks, chief among them being cybercrime.

Cybercrime is a nuanced and ever-evolving industry, and one that presents unique dangers to online shoppers. In fact, cybercriminals often specifically target shoppers with malware or phishing schemes in order to steal their personal information or financial data. 

As such, it’s important for online shoppers to be aware of the various dangers and take steps to protect themselves. Below are just a few of many ways that criminals can take advantage of your online shopping spree:

Fake stores

Criminals create fake online stores that look legitimate in order to lure unsuspecting shoppers. Once you’ve entered your personal information or credit card number, the criminals can steal your identity or use your financial data for their own ends. 

Malware

Malicious software, or malware, is often installed on unsuspecting users’ devices when they visit infected websites or click on malicious links. Once installed, the malware can allow criminals to steal your personal information, financial data, or even take control of your device. 

Phishing scams

Phishing scams are emails or websites that attempt to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your login credentials, credit card number, or Social Security number. Hackers might do this by sending an unsolicited email or texting you with a link to make a purchase. 

How to protect yourself (and your credit card) from cybercriminals

Because of cybercriminals, 45% of US shoppers have chosen to dial back their online shopping sprees. The risks are many, it’s true – but online shopping is far too convenient to boycott in the name of security. Instead, here are a few tips you can use to protect yourself when you buy something online:

Only shop on secure websites. 

When you’re shopping online, make sure the website URL begins with “https” instead of “http.” The “s” at the end stands for “secure,” and it means that your information will be encrypted and protected from cybercriminals.

Stay secure with antivirus and strong passwords. 

Use a unique password for each online account and make sure it’s at least eight characters long and includes a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters (a password manager like this one can help you do this effortlessly). On top of this, antivirus programs can help protect your computer from malware and other cyber threats.

Use a credit card instead of a debit card. 

Credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards do. If your credit card is compromised, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. If your debit card is compromised, the money in your bank account could be stolen.

Be vigilant about phishing scams.

Phishing scams are emails or websites that attempt to steal your personal information by pretending to be from a legitimate source. Be suspicious of any email or website that asks for your personal information, and never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

Be careful about what you share on social media.

Social media is a goldmine for cybercriminals, so be careful about what you post online. Don’t post your full name, address, or other personal information that could be used to steal your identity.

Cybercrime damage control

Of course, you won’t always be able to prevent cybercrime from happening to you. If you should ever fall victim to an attack, it’s important to take steps to minimize the damage. 

First, change your passwords for all of your accounts. Make sure they are strong and unique and that you aren’t using the same password for multiple sites. You should also scan your computer for malware and viruses and install a good antivirus program. Finally, report the crime to the police and your credit card company.

Final thoughts

No amount of cybercrime could stop the current wave of online shopping. It is convenient, fast, and often offers great deals. However, you do need to take some precautions to protect yourself from cybercrime. 

With the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can stay safe while shopping online. Just remember to use a strong password, be aware of phishing scams, and watch out for fake websites. And remember: if the deal is too good to be true, then it probably is!