It’s quick, convenient and the options are basically endless – it’s no wonder online shopping has taken off in a big way. And South Africa is no exception, with our e-commerce industry already topping R200-billion/annum and expected to grow to R400-billion by 2025.
Just because you can shop almost anything your heart desires from the comfort of your home doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks involved. In fact, even though the numbers are decreasing annually, according to a recent study 74% of online shoppers worldwide admitted to losing money from online shopping scams.
The risks are out there, but online shopping still offers a much bigger reward. You just need to keep a few things in mind before you click purchase. Or any link at all, really.
Steer clear of free public Wi-Fi
Who doesn’t love a free Wi-Fi hotspot? If you’ve run out of data and you need to check Google Maps ASAP, there’s nothing better. That doesn’t mean it’s safe for you to use when any kind of sensitive information – like your banking info – is needed. More often than not, these networks can be unencrypted allowing anyone with the know-how to sneak in and steal your info, spy on your browsing habits or send malware your way. Save your online shopping for a network you know and trust – the one you have at home.
Pick strong passwords
The harder they are to crack or guess, the safer your online experience will be – especially when it comes to shopping across sites. In…
