Buying Used Items Online? Check out These Safety Tips
Online shopping is a fun and convenient way of acquiring your favorite items. It’s favored by most shoppers and offers a wide variety of things. What’s more? You can easily compare prices online than in a physical store. However, most people forget about safe shopping practices, thus creating a loophole for cybercriminals. Whether buying new or used items, you can easily fall prey to hackers, especially during peak seasons.
Here’s how to stay safe when buying used items online:
- Shopping spots- Choose reputable sites
You’ll get used items at different sites, but not all are legit. Remember, online shopping involves cashless modes of payment like PayPal, bank transfers, credit and debit cards. And you can easily compromise your vital information when shopping.
Only buy used goods from accredited sites to avoid loss of personal information. Look out for sites with a padlock graphic at the bottom of the screen; it denotes that the site is secure. Such sites have the proper measures in place to safeguard user information and privacy. If paying in cash upon delivery, bring what’s enough for the purchase, and avoid carrying huge sums of money.
- Change passwords often
Use hard-to-cram passwords and change them often. This ensures safety if someone discovers your password. If possible, use a password manager to create hard-to-hack passwords. Avoid sharing computers or using public Wi-Fi. Also, don’t let others access your account, particularly if you have e-mails containing saved or newly reset passwords.
- Know what you need
You’ll come across various used items. These include;
- Electronics
- Books
- CDs & Movies
- Pet supplies
- Dolls& Bears
- Stamps and more
While you can always ask questions, know what you need. Good merchants will respond promptly, which is good. If you don’t get a response, avoid buying from such a site. This saves a lot of stress if you need to return the item.
- Don’t give personal information.
Online transactions are similar to other business deals. Giving personal data can expose you to various vulnerabilities and should be avoided. Don’t give your Social security numbers, PIN, banking information, and physical address.
Also, use an anonymous e-mail address when communicating with sellers and avoid sending sensitive information like credit card numbers via e-mail. That’s not all! Constantly update your security software and firewalls on your device to enhance your security.
- Test products on delivery
If buying used electronics, try out the product on delivery. The item may get broken during shipping, and you want to be sure it functions optimally. Also, buy goods with a valid warranty and understand the terms beforehand.
- Be vigilant with your statements.
Don’t just sit and wait for the bills at the end of the month. View electronic statements online for your credit, debit card, or account. Look out for any fraudulent charges, even those from payment sites. If you discover suspicious transactions, address the matter promptly. For credit cards, only pay when you’re sure that the charges are accurate.
A quick wrap up
You can easily fall for scams when shopping for used items online. Know your needs and choose the best shopping spots. Also, be keen on your personal information, and don’t give it out anyhow. By following the tips mentioned above, you can be sure of quality items and secure transactions.
