Tips For Shopping Safely Online

Shopping online can be convenient and secure if you take the right precautions.

Jantz Supply works hard to keep our customer data safe when shopping online.  If you are in doubt, don't forget, you can speak with a real person in Davis, OK during regular business hours.

We also offer online shoppers the option of checking out online and calling us to provide your payment information or mailing in a check or money order.

Meanwhile, here are some tips to help you shop safely online:

1. Shop from reputable websites: Stick to well-known and established online retailers or official websites of brands you trust. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar or suspicious-looking websites, especially those with poor website design, spelling errors, or unusually low prices.

2. Use secure and up-to-date devices: Make sure your computer, smartphone, or tablet has reliable antivirus and anti-malware software installed. Keep your operating system, web browser, and security software up to date with the latest security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.

3. Look for secure connections: Before entering any personal or payment information, ensure the website has a secure connection. Look for "https://" at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. Avoid entering sensitive information on websites that don't have these indicators.

4. Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for each online store you use. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible for an extra layer of security.

5. Be cautious with personal information: Only provide the necessary information when making a purchase. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal details. Legitimate online retailers typically don't ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number, so be wary of any such requests.

6. Verify the seller's contact information: Before making a purchase, confirm that the online retailer provides clear and accurate contact information, including a physical address and phone number. This information can be helpful if you need to reach out to the seller for any reason.

7. Use credit cards or secure payment methods: Whenever possible, use credit cards for online purchases instead of debit cards or direct bank transfers. Credit cards often offer better fraud protection, and if a dispute arises, you can dispute the charges more easily. Additionally, consider using secure payment methods like PayPal, which can add an extra layer of security by not sharing your financial information with the seller.

8. Be cautious with email and social media promotions: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails or social media promotions, especially if they promise unbelievable deals. Scammers often use these methods to spread malware or steal your personal information. Instead, visit the retailer's official website directly by typing the URL into your browser.

9. Keep track of your online transactions: Regularly review your credit card and bank statements to ensure that you recognize all the transactions. Report any unauthorized or suspicious charges to your financial institution immediately. Staying vigilant about your account activity can help you catch potential issues early.

10. Educate yourself about phishing scams: Learn to recognize common phishing scams that impersonate legitimate websites or organizations. Be wary of emails or messages asking for your login credentials, financial information, or personal details. If in doubt, contact the supposed sender directly using official contact information rather than the information provided in the suspicious message.

Bonus Tip: Check for customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase. These can provide insights into the quality of the product and the credibility of the seller.

Remember that scammers continually develop new tactics, so it's essential to stay vigilant and use common sense when shopping online. If something doesn't feel right or seems too good to be true, it's better to be cautious and explore alternative options.