18 December 2020GABORONE - Online shopping is convenient and easy, and as consumers become more tech-savvy, more people are turning to this alternative way of purchasing goods and services. With the advent of COVID-19, there has been a surge in the use of digital platforms for online transactions. This increase in online shopping has also made it easy for cyber criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Below are some Do’s and Don’ts on how to shop while ensuring the customer‘s card security:.DO your homework. Take time to research the website and its policies before entering your Credit card information.DON’T buy from spammers. Be careful of sites inviting you to buy products at discounted prices as they could possibly be a scam.Do contact the seller if this is your first purchase. Most reputable e-sellers have a toll-free customer service phone number.DO buy from a website that has encryption. This feature automatically codes your personal data when it’s entered. The URL should start with “HTTPS”, “HTTP” is not secure. Also locate the “Padlock” icon to verify a secure connection..DON’T buy from a web site you are not comfortable with. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”DO use computer security software. Update your software regularly. This will reduce the risk of contracting a virus or some other form of malware.DON’T forget to inspect your new purchase as soon as it arrives. If you find a problem, notify the seller as soon as possible.DO check your card statements. Check your statements regularly for any transaction abnormalities.*This is a consumer education piece from Stanbic Bank Botswana:ENDS.
18 December 2020GABORONE - Online shopping is convenient and easy, and as consumers become more tech-savvy, more people are turning to this alternative way of purchasing goods and services. With the advent of COVID-19, there has been a surge in the use of digital platforms for online transactions. This increase in online shopping has also made it easy for cyber criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Below are some Do’s and Don’ts on how to shop while ensuring the customer‘s card security:.DO your homework. Take time to research the website and its policies before entering your Credit card information.DON’T buy from spammers. Be careful of sites inviting you to buy products at discounted prices as they could possibly be a scam.Do contact the seller if this is your first purchase. Most reputable e-sellers have a toll-free customer service phone number.DO buy from a website that has encryption. This feature automatically codes your personal data when it’s entered. The URL should start with “HTTPS”, “HTTP” is not secure. Also locate the “Padlock” icon to verify a secure connection..DON’T buy from a web site you are not comfortable with. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”DO use computer security software. Update your software regularly. This will reduce the risk of contracting a virus or some other form of malware.DON’T forget to inspect your new purchase as soon as it arrives. If you find a problem, notify the seller as soon as possible.DO check your card statements. Check your statements regularly for any transaction abnormalities.*This is a consumer education piece from Stanbic Bank Botswana:ENDS.