Paying bills and making purchases online are part of everyday life. While digital convenience saves time, it also creates opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Before entering your credit or debit card information, a few quick checks can help protect your money and your personal information.
Start With the Website Address
You should look for two important things related to the website address:
- Safe sites use https:// at the beginning of the URL. The “s” stands for secure and means the site encrypts the information you share, like card numbers and passwords. Most browsers also show a padlock icon near the address bar. Clicking on that icon can give you more details about the website’s security.
It’s important to remember that while HTTPS is necessary, it is not a guarantee that a site is legitimate. Scammers can also create websites that appear secure at first glance, so it’s only one part of the safety check.
- Scam websites often look almost identical to real businesses, but may include a single misspelled word, extra character, or unusual web address ending. Take a moment to read the address slowly and make sure it matches the company you think you’re visiting. If anything looks off, it’s best not to proceed.
Look for Contact Information and Policies
Legitimate businesses usually make it easy to find contact information. Look for a physical address, phone number, email address, and customer service details. You should also be able to find privacy policies, return policies, and refund information. It’s a red flag if these details are missing or worded in a vague or confusing way.
Take a Minute to Research
If you are unfamiliar with a website, a quick search can go a long way. Look up the business name along with words like “reviews,” “complaint,” or “scam.” Reading feedback from multiple sources, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you spot patterns of trouble before you enter your card information.
Social media can also play a role in online scams, as fraudsters often use ads, messages, or posts to direct people to fake websites that closely mimic legitimate businesses. A link shared on a social platform may feel familiar or trustworthy, but it is always worth pausing before tapping. Take a moment to verify the source, double check the website address, and avoid making purchases directly through links in unsolicited messages or posts.
Be Wary of Deals that are Too Good to Be True
Deep discounts and urgent messages designed to rush you into a purchase are common scam tactics. If a deal pressures you to act immediately or seems unrealistically cheap, it’s important to pause. Legitimate businesses rarely rely on fear or urgency alone to make a sale.
Choose Secure Ways to Pay
Storing card info within your phone or smartwatch’s mobile wallet, (think Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) can add an extra layer of protection when shopping online. When a card is saved to your mobile wallet, your actual card number is never shared with the merchant. Instead, encrypted technology or a one-time digital code is used to process the payment, which helps to keep your information secure. When available, mobile wallet options can be a safer choice than entering your card number directly on a website, especially on unfamiliar sites.
Trust Your Instincts
Being cautious online doesn’t mean avoiding digital tools altogether. It simply means knowing what to look for and taking steps to protect yourself. A little awareness can go a long way toward keeping your money and information safe.
Remember, if something feels off, even if you can’t pinpoint why, it’s okay to walk away. If you suspect a scam or think your information may have been compromised, act quickly. Contact your financial institution for support and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps protect you and can prevent others from becoming victims.
