This is how to shop online *safely* this Black Friday (and always!)
It’s that time of the year again – the anticipated Black Friday sales are *almost* here. While many people brave the shops…
… others prefer to do their purchasing from the comfort of their homes on their favourite e-commerce platforms.
However you choose to shop, it’s important to be aware that many nefarious people use this annual retail event to scam others, either through intercepting their orders to get hold of their banking details or by creating fake websites with specials that look legit and too good to be true. This is why it’s important to keep your wits about you and make purchases and payments with care. Here’s how to ensure that you stay safe online this Black Friday (and always).
Look out for fake websites
This also applies to social media stores (because new ones seem to pop up ALL the time!). Some of these stores stock fake merchandise or are just a front to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. Some ways to check if a site is real is to look out for typos in the address bar, to check the URL (which should start with “https://”), to confirm the contact details and to read their returns policy.
Check for safe payment options
Not all e-commerce platforms are created equal and some of them aren’t concerned about shoppers’ safety. One way to check that a site is secure and legitimate is to look at the top left corner of the address bar for a padlock icon, which should be present. At Beauty on TApp, we work with PayFast to ensure that our customers have a safe and seamless online shopping experience.
Don’t shop on public networks
When you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, such as your office or the internet available at malls, coffee shops and airports, your personal information, like your bank details and pins, is more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and security leaks. Instead, do your online shopping using your private network or one of a trusted family member or friend. And don’t save any of your passwords.
Have a budget (and stick to it!)
Another pitfall of online shopping on Black Friday is getting so excited about the discounts that you end up spending more and on things you don’t really need. The last thing anyone needs as we head into the festive season and New Year is a ton of debt weighing them down. Be mindful in your purchasing decisions (having a wishlist to work from is ideal) so that you remain financially stable.
Want to get more of your fave beauty products for less? Click here to follow us on social media for updates on discounted prices so that you can treat yo’self!
