Shop Smart: A Guide to Online Shopping

Newsletter Topics: A Guide to Online Shopping

🗞️ In the News: Recently, the Grandkid community of Grandpa Got Hacked has seen a rise in product ads from fraudulent websites. The most common are “going out of business” ads with heavily discounted products. These “too good to be true” ads often appear on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Remember, anyone can buy ads on these platforms, and while these platforms try to catch fraudulent vendors, it's impossible to catch them all.

Stay vigilant and shop smart online.

👀 Today’s Focus: A Guide to Smart Online Shopping

1. Avoid unbelievable deals.

   • If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often attract buyers with extremely low prices.

   • Avoid Pop-Up Ads. Pop-up ads can sometimes lead to malicious sites. Close them immediately.

2. Identify if the website is legit and secure

   • Check the website URL for HTTPS. Website URLs (links) should start with https:// and not http://. The "s" stands for secure and means the website uses encryption to protect your data. Your web browser will usually warn you if a website is not secure. If you see a http:// link, avoid clicking on it.

     

     Example: non-secure website with http://

     

     Example: secure website with https://

   • Research the website online by looking for reviews and comments from other users. You can search Google with terms like "Is examplewebsite.com legit?". Websites like Trustpilot can also offer insights into the reputation of popular online stores.

   • Check the website’s contact information. Legitimate websites provide clear contact details, including a physical address.

   • Watch for grammar and spelling mistakes. Poor grammar and spelling can be a red flag indicating the website might not be legitimate.

3. Use credit cards over debit cards and other forms of payment.

   • Credit cards usually offer better fraud protection than debit cards, making them safer for online purchases.

   • Use one specific credit card for online shopping. This makes it easier to monitor transactions and spot any suspicious activity.

4. Before completing a purchase, review the order summary to ensure everything is correct, including quantities, shipping details, and prices.

😎 Grandkid Tip of the Day:  To keep it simple when shopping online, always remember to:

1. Avoid unbelievable deals

2. Research before you buy

3. Pay with a credit card

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