BBB Offers Online Shopping Tips

Today is the traditionally the biggest online shopping day of the year, Cyber Monday.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau says that online shoppers spent nearly $3 billion during Cyber Monday, making it the largest online shopping day ever recorded.

The BBB said that while shoppers like the convenience online shopping provides, it can also pose risks if shoppers do not do business online safely.

Better Business Bureau Spokesperson Dottie Callina said that the most important thing is to make sure that purchases are taking place only on secure websites.

“Before you send any type of personal or sensitive information, financial information, credit card, bank account, make sure it says ‘https’,” said Callina. “The ‘s’ stands for secure and this indicates to you that this is a secure website, that your information will be encrypted and will not be used in any other way. There is also a ‘lock’ icon that consumers can see that also indicates that it is a secure site.”

The importance of security also extends to mobile devices.

According to Callina, 27 percent of online sales last year took place through a mobile device.

She said shoppers need to be careful when using a mobile device.

“Make sure you have virus software uploaded and updated on your phone,” said Callina. “Make sure all of your apps are operating correctly. Do not download apps you are not familiar with just because they are free and also manage your location services, like Bluetooth, microphone, and camera, making sure that your apps use them appropriately. Understand what they are using and gleaning from your information.”

Callina said in general, people just need to be on the lookout for scams and people trying to take advantage of you this holiday season.

“I want just everyone to understand that if something sounds too good to be true, it is,” said Callina. “Check the stores before you go, especially if you get some type of e-mail or alert about it. We can’t tell you enough that this is the time of year that con artists and criminals are out to ruin your Christmas holiday.”

Callina also recommended that if possible, people make their online purchases with a credit card because people have options if something comes up about disputing a purchase or never getting the item that was ordered.

For more information, go online to www.bbb.org.