Tips for Using the Internet

Shopping Tips When Using the Internet

More holiday shopping is handled online each year.  You still need to be careful for online scams, but we wanted to share some of our Internet shopping tips that may help you have a more pleasurable experience. 

1. Make sure that your anti-virus, spyware, and malware software is up-to-date (and if you don’t have any, there are plenty of FREE options available).  Make certain that it will protect your Internet browser experience.
2. Instead of using links in marketing emails, go directly to the vendor’s website.  There are plenty of spammers out there that are smart enough to make the landing pages look exactly like the vendors they are scamming.  If it looks suspicious, or too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Check the vendor’s privacy policies, return policies, and for any checked boxes that may indicate that you will receive marketing emails from their vendors or partners.
4. When going through the shopping cart system, check your browser to see that there is a gold lock graphic at the bottom right of the screen.  If the vendor does not display this lock, it’s very possible that your credit card information is open to the Internet.
5. Make sure that even if the vendor indicates that a receipt will be emailed to you, print the transaction page so that you have a record of what you ordered as well as any pricing or description of the items you purchased is clearly stated.
6. If at all possible, use one credit card for ALL your online purchases.  In that way if your account information has been captured, you will only need to cancel one specific card.
7. Check delivery dates and guarantees.  Especially when purchasing for the holidays, make sure that you won’t be chasing down packages or finding out it’s not even shipping in time for holiday delivery. 

Here are some of my favorite FREE options to help you protect your information and make for a more pleasurable shopping experience. 

Anti-virus – www.avg.com

Spyware – www.spybot.com

Malware – www.malwarebytes.org   

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, we would love the opportunity to serve!