Online holiday shopping (File photo 17236670 © Jovani Carlo Gorospe | Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

'trust your instincts'

RCMP issue tips to avoid getting stiffed when online shopping

Dec 5, 2023 | 6:30 AM

Police are offering online shopping advice to help consumers avoid having their holiday season spoiled by cyber grinches.

Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan detachment, said online shopping can be an easy and convenient way to get gifts for the people on your list.

“In order to get the goods, you’ll need to share some personal details such as your name, address, or credit card information,” the constable said. “Even though there is some risk to it, there are things you can do to keep those transactions as secure and possible and safeguard your personal and financial information.”

Here are RCMP tips to partake in online shopping safely and securely:

• Secure websites display a closed padlock in the web address bar. Open or missing padlocks mean the data isn’t secure;
• Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi and shop using your own data connection or through a virtual privacy network (VPN);
• Avoid sites that are poorly designed or have poor graphics, they are likely a spoof;
• Shop around retailers before purchasing. If an offer seems to good to be true, it probably is;
• Checkout as a guest to avoid saving your personal information;
• Utilize multi-factor authentication such as a pin or a fingerprint to verify login;
• Use passphrases instead of passwords where possible;
• Monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly. Watch for and report any suspicious activity or transactions as soon as possible to your financial institutions;

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“Pay attention to the sites you are visiting and keep an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary,” Terleski advised. “Know what to look for and what to avoid and trust your instincts. If it seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.”