Online shopping: expectation vs reality (+ pieces of priceless advice)

If you don’t want to get something ridiculous from an online store, stick to these rules:

Making sure your computer’s operating system and Internet browser are up to date, and installing some good malware-protection software, is your first line of defense against viruses, malware, or fraudulent activity.

To further protect sensitive information like credit card numbers, your best bet is to shop from home. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or public PCs, like library computers.

If you’ve purchased products online before you’re probably familiar with some of the larger retailers like Amazon or Ebay. These sites have become so popular in part because they have earned a good reputation for protecting their customers’ personal information. With sites like these, there’s less to worry about in general.

However, there may be a time when you find that the hunt for a rare or specific item has taken you off the beaten path in the online marketplace. If you find yourself shopping on an unfamiliar site, make sure to look for “https://”, and the padlock symbol in the address bar. These things indicate that the site is SSL encrypted, which means it provides the security necessary to better protect your personal information.

Always be sure to make note of phone numbers and physical addresses so you know how to make contact in case there's a problem with your transaction. It’s also a good idea to do some research on what you’re buying and who you’re buying from. For example, look for some reviews from real users.

In the end, use your common sense, and trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. And if anything seems suspicious, don’t make the purchase.