These days, shopping online is both convenient and commonplace, and the Internet can be used to find nearly anything you need, from books and music to clothing and cars. The popularity of this technology has come at a price however, as the Internet is fraught with identity thieves and scammers looking to hijack your identity and take your funds.
While there is no foolproof way to avoid Internet fraud, there are a few practices that you can adopt to help avoid identity theft and reduce the risk of shopping online. They include:
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Check the URL – Most legitimate websites will use a secure transaction page, and their online address will start with an “https://”. Also, check to see if they use a reputable or well-known payment processor, like PayPal or VeriSign.
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Do a background check – Do online research on the website by searching about the company’s history. Since online information can be easily falsified, do a search on the “WHOIS” database, which will allow you to see where and to whom a domain name is registered.
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Read the fine print – Read any contractual details or return policies for the product and services that you are purchasing, so that you are prepared if you have to return the product or if there are issues with your service.
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Watch your accounts – Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card accounts whenever you shop online. Even though many banks now have fraud protection, knowing what is going on and, if you do notice something suspicious, being able to give accurate information to your bank and credit card company is critical.
Using these tips will help you to shop online more confidently from the comfort of your apartment in Lady Lake, FL. To learn more about our wonderful apartment community, contact our leasing office today.
