Rushing to buy your Chinese New Year outfits and goodies online? Don’t forget to take important cyber security measures while you’re at it. Here are eight fuss-free tips from Rahul Shinghal, General Manager Southeast Asia, PayPal, that you can follow to protect yourself online.
SECURITY.
Look out for “https” instead of “http” webpages when entering payment details; the former is more secure and is typically used by payment gateways. Also, if you see encryption symbols, such as a padlock or unbroken key (depending on your browser), it means the page is secure.
HESITATE.
Are the deals too good to be true? Not sure if a retailer is legit? Research and see if you can find reviews on the retailer. It is also a good practice to verify the retailer’s authenticity through consumer protection organisations before making any purchases.
ONLINE STATEMENTS.
Check your bank and credit card accounts online regularly instead of waiting for monthly statements to come in. If you see any unfamiliar charges, investigate the matter right away.
PROTECTION.
Some websites and credit cards offer insurance plans for an additional fee. When you use PayPal, eligible purchases are safeguarded by Buyer Protection at no additional cost. You may be fully refunded for eligible unauthorised transactions, items that never arrive, or if an item differs significantly from how it is described.
SAFEGUARD YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Choose an internationally recognised payment option that safeguards your sensitive financial information. PayPal, for example, never shares customer information and encrypts all incoming data.
AUTHENTICATE THE URL.
Don't rely on links from search engines, unsolicited emails or pop-up ads, as scammers often create fake websites with similar URLs to well-known businesses. Go to a retailer’s website directly by typing the full address into your Internet browser’s address bar.
FINE PRINT.
Verify the website’s conditions for delivery, its return or cancellation policies, and the terms of any guarantee prior to making your purchase. Legitimate retailers will be happy to provide additional information if you have questions.
EXTRA INFORMATION.
Be wary if a retailer asks for unusual details or extraneous personal information. Never provide information that is not necessary for making the purchase.