Online shopping is now just part of everyday life for most families — quick, convenient, and often cheaper than heading to the shops. But that convenience comes with a catch: cybercriminals know just as many of us are shopping from our phones and laptops, and they’re constantly looking for ways to catch us out.
With so much shopping happening online, it’s a good moment for a refresher on how to keep yourself — and your family’s details and money — safe.
Don’t miss: 5 Tips for Parents on Tablet and Smartphone Online Safety
Internet Safety Tips While Shopping Online
#1. Keep Your Devices Clean
No, we don’t mean dusting them off. We mean making sure you have up-to-date security software and a current web browser installed. These are your best defence against viruses, malware and other online threats.
#2. Make Passwords Long and Strong
Combine upper and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a secure password. It’s tempting to reuse the same simple password everywhere, but the more effort you put into choosing a strong one, the better protected you’ll be. Longer passwords take criminals much longer to crack.
Don’t miss: Top Tips for Buying and Selling Online
#3. Unique Account, Unique Password
It takes a bit more effort, but having a separate password for every account really does protect you. If one password is cracked and you’ve reused it elsewhere, criminals suddenly have the keys to all your other accounts too.
#4. Check Out Sellers Before You Buy
If you’re buying from a seller you’ve never used before, do a little digging first. Cybercriminals are skilled at creating convincing fake websites designed to trick shoppers.
Search for merchant reviews — Trustpilot is a useful place to check what other customers are saying about a website before you hand over any details.
#5. When in Doubt, Stop
Links in emails, social media posts and online ads are one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to compromise your device.
If something looks suspicious — even if it seems to come from a source you trust — stop, think, and don’t click. It’s easy to get caught out by a tempting sale ad that leads to a website you haven’t properly checked out.
#6. Protect Your Cash
When banking or shopping online, make sure the site is secure before entering any payment details. Look for https:// at the start of the web address, along with a padlock icon in your browser bar. A plain http:// address without the padlock means the connection isn’t secure — don’t enter your card details there.
#7. Never Give Too Much Away
No online store needs your date of birth or your mother’s maiden name to complete a purchase. If a site is asking for this kind of information, it’s likely a phishing attempt — and combined with your card details, it gives scammers what they need to steal your identity.
If you’re ever unsure, check the website’s privacy policy. Genuine businesses have a real privacy policy with proper contact details.
#8. Use Safer Payment Options
Credit cards are generally the safest option, as they allow you to seek a chargeback if a product never arrives or turns up wrong. Credit cards also typically limit how much you’re liable for if your details are stolen and misused — unlike debit cards.
Check return policies before you buy, and never agree to send cash directly to a seller.
If you have a PayPal account, using it means you’re not entering your card details directly onto the retailer’s website, which adds an extra layer of protection.
#9. Help Authorities Fight Cybercrime
Always report stolen finances, identity theft or cybercrime to the relevant authorities. Depending on where you live, you can report to:
- UK: Action Fraud
- Ireland: Garda National Economic Crime Bureau
- Australia: ReportCyber
- USA: FBI Cybercrime
- Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Or simply contact your local police station.
Stay safe when you’re shopping online!
FAQs About Shopping Safely Online
How can I tell if an online shop is genuine?
Look for a proper privacy policy with real contact details, check independent reviews on a site like Trustpilot, and be wary if the deal seems unusually good. A secure checkout with https:// and a padlock icon is a good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee the seller itself is trustworthy — that’s what reviews are for.
Is it safe to shop online using my debit card?
It’s generally safer to use a credit card or a service like PayPal, as these offer more protection if something goes wrong. Debit cards typically don’t have the same chargeback protections or spending limits.
What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed while shopping online?
Stop any further payments immediately, contact your bank or card provider, and report the incident to the relevant authority in your country (details above). Keep any emails, order confirmations or screenshots as evidence.
Why shouldn’t I reuse the same password for different accounts?
If one account is compromised and you’ve reused that password elsewhere, criminals can potentially access all your other accounts too. A unique password for each account limits the damage if one is ever cracked.
Related Articles
- 5 Tips for Parents on Tablet and Smartphone Online Safety
- Top Tips for Buying and Selling Online
- Screen Time Advice for Busy Families
Before You Go
Enjoyed this? Browse our other family life and parenting tips for more practical, real-world advice — and bookmark this page so you can come back to it before your next big online shop.
Want more useful tips like this dropped straight into your inbox? Sign up to the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas, advice and inspiration for busy parents.
