Shopping as a Digital Nomad
As a digital nomad, you are always traveling and always connected to the cyber world. So, when it comes to shopping you may not have the time to go to a brick and mortar retail store. Digital shopping is the current trend and digital nomads are a part of the new way we buy.
However, the digital world is also a new opportunity for fraud and identity theft. If you are a digital nomad who loves to shop online here are some tips to keep your browsing safe.
Frequent Password Changes
Most identity thieves rely on the laziness of the average consumer. Once most consumers have established a password they tend to stick with it. This indifference tends to make it easier for hackers to access your information. Setting up a schedule to change your password adds a buffer of security to your online searches and shopping. Experts recommend a monthly password change. Stick to the schedule and have several passwords prepared as options over a year’s time.
Shop Safe Sites
There are countless e-commerce sites out there. Not all of them can guarantee a safe online shopping experience. Look for the SSL lock on the navigation bar when you visit a shopping site. The secure socket layer is an added level of protection that most e-commerce sites should provide to consumers. Ones that don’t are either taking a risk with your confidential information, or are out to steal it.
Shop Familiar Sites
Online search can be modified to lead you to a site that is not at all what you think it is. Look out for misspellings in the URL or sites that use .net instead of .com. A Home Depot.net is not the big box home improvement retailer and you may be handing over your information to a thief. Stay with well-known sites like QVC for your online shopping and purchasing. When you use any specials like coupons or discount offers, be sure to use the ones specifically from the retailer. For example, QVC is offering these savings and they are legit becomes they come directly from the company. Use promo codes like these for safe shopping discounts.
Credit Not Debit
Always use a credit card when shopping. Debit cards are very vulnerable as a thief can quickly access your bank account and clean it out. Most well-known credit card companies offer a buffer between your purchase and payment to the vendor. They can halt unauthorized charges and prevent fraud.
