Online shopping is convenient, in that you can shop around, find the best prices, and have your packages delivered right to your doorstep without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. But getting a great deal online involves more than just getting the lowest price. You’ll want to be sure that products arrive on time, that quality is what you expected, that items include a proper warranty, and that there is a way for you to return products or get support with any questions or issues you have. Apply these tips to improve the security of your shopping experience.

1. Always place orders from a secure connection

If your computer isn’t protected from potentially malicious software, your financial information and passwords are at risk of being stolen (and everything else you store on your computer or do online). If you’re shopping online while using a wireless network, it needs to be encrypted so someone who is lurking outside the house can’t collect your information. Avoid making any financial transactions when using a public network, as you may not know if it’s compromised.

2. Know the merchant and their reputation

If you already know the store, shopping their online store is very safe. You can always walk into the local store for help if there’s a problem, and if you know others who have had consistently positive experiences with the online store, you can be reassured of the site’s quality. If you don’t know the store, it may still be the best bet; you just need to take a few more precautions. Conduct your own background check by looking at sites dedicated to reviewing e-stores. If the store isn’t reviewed or does not have favourable reviews, don’t order from their website.

3. Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true”

Any online store that promises too much at too low a price is suspicious. If the price is too low, then the likelihood that it is a scam is high. Also, consider whether the merchant came by the items legally, if you will ever receive the items you paid for, whether the items are actually the brand shown or a cheap substitute, if the item will work, if you will be able to return damaged on arrival goods. Disreputable online stores may run an absurdly low price offer and then claim the item is out of stock, to try to sell you something else in a classic “bait and switch” scam.

4. Ask for Terms and Conditions.

It is important to ask for necessary terms selling and after sales terms and conditions, such as; return, warranty, shipping etc.

5. Don’t use an e-store that requires more information than necessary to make the sale.

Expect to provide some method of payment, shipping address, telephone number, and email address, but if the merchant requests other information, walk away. You never want to give them your bank account information, BVN, IDs, Passport information, drivers licence among others. Some companies ask questions about your interests, but these should always be optional and you should be cautious about providing the information.

6. Need to create a password for the site? – make it unique.

You will often be asked to create an account with a password when you make a purchase. Usually, you can choose not to do this, and unless you will use the e-store frequently, don’t create an account. If you do want an account, try to use a unique and strong password.

7. Is the site secure?

Before entering any personal or credit card info onto a shopping site look to see if the web address on the page begins with “https:”, not “http:” That little ’s’ tells you the website is secure and encrypted to protect your information.

8. Always Pay to  Company (Corporate) Account of a Regular Bank

It is safer to pay to  Company (Corporate) account of a regular physical bank than to personal accounts or accounts opened with some online banking companies. If you are paying using an online payment gateway, ensure the payment gateway is that of a reputable company. Also ensure you are paying to an account consistent with the vendor’s business name.

9. Do not be Deceived by payment on delivery offer.

Payment on delivery has been to many a safer way to shop since they will see the product they want to buy before making payment. However, the. story if no more the same with the high rate of fraudulent middle-men who pose as actual vendors to scam unsuspecting buyers and sometimes even attempt to drag innocent and reputable vendors into trouble. Do further investigations. Ask questions, In some cases, try to verify the company and payment details with the delivery person. If they don’t know, ask them to contact the vendor that sent them to ensure the account details you are about to send money to is the correct one. Ensure the account details are consistent with the company identity.

10. Beware of Brand impostors and impersonators.

Search for other businesses with similar social handle. The rate of brand impersonators is currently on the rise. Just before you start to transact, search the social media for other accounts that may have similar name just be sure you are even about to transact with the genuine vendor and not an impostor. Sometimes, this impostors change the handle of the account with just little alterations and use the original contents of the genuine vendors, including pictures, images, and even put their addresses and original active images from gotten the vendor’s page. However, paying attention to these details will help you avoid falling into the hands of online shopping scammers.