CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Holiday shopping season is a particularly dangerous time of year when it comes to scams and fraud. More purchases are being made online, which creates more opportunities for thieves to get a hold of your financial information and other sensitive data.
The “Internet People” at InfoWest have kept Southern Utah connected and protected since 1994. With that in mind, they’re answering some common consumer questions about staying safe while shopping online.
“Internet shopping scams are more common than people think,” said Emma Young, marketing assistant at InfoWest. “Just like driving, be cautious and aware of everything you’re doing.”
What are some basic ways to stay safe when shopping online?
Before entering your payment information or other sensitive data, verify that the website you’re on is secure. Secure websites will have “https” written before “www” in the address bar at the top of your browser, which means that the website uses encryption to protect your data.
Only provide your credit card information to websites you trust and/or websites that have a good reputation for protecting consumer privacy. If you’re unfamiliar with a website, look it up in the Better Business Bureau directory and ask people you know if they’ve ever heard of it.
“It’s always a good idea to find out more about the website you’re on, especially when you’re shopping online,” Young said.
How can I identify and avoid phishing emails?
Phishing is a scam that attempts to steal your money or identity by tricking you into revealing personal information, such as credit card numbers, banking information and passwords, on websites that appear legitimate. Cybercriminals often pretend to be reputable companies by sending fake emails that contain a link to a phishing website.
The best way to avoid phishing scams is knowing how to spot them. Look for red flags like grammatical errors, misspellings and unexpected email attachments. Hover over hyperlinks before clicking on them to see if the website they link to appears legitimate. Don’t open any attachments from suspicious sources. If you’re not sure if a sender is legitimate, try to contact the sender directly to investigate before taking any further action.
How can I be extra cautious when purchasing something online?
Keeping your guard up while shopping online is especially important this time of year, Young said. Consumers are often in a hurry to complete last-minute holiday shopping, which makes them less careful. Be aware of every website you visit and every purchase you make.
Always use a credit card when making purchases online. The process of tracking and disputing fraudulent charges, as well as getting your money back, is typically easier with most credit card companies than payment services like PayPal or Apple Pay.
Don’t share your credit card information or login details for PayPal, Venmo, etc. unless you’re making a purchase. Never share any personal information that isn’t necessary to make a purchase, like your Social Security number or passwords.
What can I do if I’ve already been scammed?
Contact your credit card company or payment service immediately to report any suspected fraud. If bogus charges have been posted to your account, file a dispute so you can get your money back as quickly as possible. If applicable, cancel your credit card and have a new one issued.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool in fighting fraudsters. Warn people you know to stay away from specific websites and delete suspicious emails. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages consumers to help stop scams and shady business practices by reporting them online. These reports are shared with more than 3,000 law enforcement partners nationwide.
Having a healthy relationship with technology is key to successfully navigating today’s world, and InfoWest is committed to providing the ultimate internet experience one customer at a time.
“InfoWest is always open to helping customers stay safe with our internet services,” Young said. “Be safe and smart when you’re online.”
Learn more about InfoWest’s products, services and community outreach on their website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Resources
- InfoWest | Telephone: 866-463-6937 | Website.
- Locations:
- St. George: 435 E. Tabernacle St.
- Cedar City: 360 W. 200 North.
- Cedar City: 755 S. Main St., Suite 5.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.