Unlike banks or malls the internet is always open seven days in a week. However they are watching you, eagerly waiting for you to make a mistake while shopping online, ready to pounce on you.

They are thieves. More than 9 million people have their online accounts broken in to every year.

The internet has turned out to be the world’s number shopping mall. It is an exciting tool, which offers immense amounts of information at your finger tips.Good deals, ease of use and quality products thrive on the internet; however virtual thieves’ prowl everywhere. Always remember the following tips that will ensure your online shopping practice is safe.

  • Use your own computer

Always shop using your own computer, you should never use a public computer to do your shopping online. This ensures that no records of your personal details are retained in another computer.

Your computer should be installed with an updated anti-virus program and a firewall that blocks out unauthorized access. Just as important, remember to update your anti-virus program frequently

  • Keep a record

Never forget to keep a log of all your internet transactions, when you are sent emails by online stores summarizing your transaction remember to save and print them, also retain the retailer’s website address. Check the website for information relating to delivery arrangements, currencies and costs.

This is necessary incase of a dispute.

  • Use a secure connection

A connection refers to the browser that you use to access the internet. The connection should conform to security standards that encrypt all purchase information to ensure that the information is not accessible by unauthorized persons.

Secure browsers can be downloaded free from the internet.

A password is confidential, never give it out or share it with anyone else. Passwords are required to ensure that no body else is using or misusing your private information.

The worst passwords to use are your address, name, telephone number, spouse names, as they are easy to guess. Use a combination of characters when establishing your password. Never write it somewhere that can be seen easily. If you do write it, always overturn arrangement of the letters

  • Shop at trustworthy sites

Before doing your online shopping it’s vital that you carry out some research. People are capable of setting out fake online shops with any name. Use of credit cards enhances your protection. Credit cards also ensure that your transactions are protected by the credit billing Act. In case problems emerge from your transactions credit cards will greatly reduce the amounts of your charge.

Understand the company’s terms and policies to ascertain the reimbursement and return policies before purchasing also never buy any item from unwanted emails, they are usually a rip-off.

  • Analyze your statements regularly

Always review your monthly credit card and bank balances. It will enable you identify any errors or discrepancies in your bank account;

after thorough review and scrutiny make sure you inform your bank incase there are some disparities.

Never disclose your private information, such as address, Social number or email address, not unless you are certain of who you are giving to. Before giving out any information ask yourself if it is essential for a transaction. Secure websites usually require little information for just executing the order, nothing more. Being aware of what information is required and if they share it out with others is of great importance.

Strict obedience to these basic online safety tips will go along way in ensuring that you get value for your money.