Recognize the signs of safe online shopping
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It’s not surprising that online shopping is popular. It’s convenient to be able to browse shops from home, compare deals from different businesses and have goods delivered to you. However, it can also open the door for cyber criminals posing as online retailers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a great deal and a spoofed website. So, how do you know if you can trust an online business? There are safeguards that legitimate businesses put on their websites to protect transactions and customer information. Here are some things to take note of:
1. A locked padlock in the address bar
At the left of the URL in the address bar of your web browser , there should be a padlock icon. If the padlock is locked, the website uses encryption to protect information being handled. If the padlock is unlocked, it means that any information you input on the site could be compromised. It is important to double check and verify that the locked padlock is still active when using the specific webpage that handles sensitive information (an encrypted homepage doesn’t mean the entire website is). It’s also important to still be aware that even spoofed sites can show a locked padlock – so make sure you look for the other safeguards below before entering any information.
2. The URL
Another place you can look to verify that an online business is legitimate is in the URL. Alongside a locked padlock, an encrypted website will use https (the “s” stands for secure) at the beginning of the URL. If it’s a brand you know and recognize, make sure the URL is familiar to you and free of spelling mistakes. Sometimes spoofed sites use variations on existing brand names, so if you’re unsure, do some research on the business to make sure you have the correct link . Be aware, cyber criminals can also use search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning to place their malicious links at the top of search pages to trick victims into thinking it is legitimate.
3. Secure payment systems
When you shop in-person, most businesses accept payments using the same common formats—like cash, debit cards, credit cards or gift cards. Just like in-person stores, legitimate online stores tend to have recognizable payment systems in place that include built-in security features to protect sensitive information. Be wary of websites that request alternate payment methods such as e-transfers or cryptocurrency. These alternate payment types are often untraceable and can’t be reversed. Never send money using an unfamiliar payment method or using a format not commonly supported and secured by verified online stores.
4. Legitimate privacy policy and return policy
Legitimate businesses that handle personal information will have a privacy policy easily available to ensure you can verify how your information is being used. Canadian businesses must follow the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to ensure that sensitive customer information is protected. If the online store you’re viewing doesn’t have a privacy policy or it seems suspicious, shop somewhere else.
Alongside a privacy policy, and online store should have easily accessible information about their return policy. While it’s not a legal requirement for a business to accept returns, trustworthy online businesses will be clear and upfront about their return policy.
Think critically and trust your gut
These four signs are helpful guidelines to help identify legitimate businesses online, but it’s important to stay vigilant. If you have a bad feeling about an online business, chances are you’re probably right to avoid it. Spoofed online stores often show sales that are too good to be true and pressure you to make purchases quickly. If you want more details on what spoofed stores look like, check out these real examples of fake online stores.
With this knowledge, anyone can become a more confident online shopper.