Safe online shopping habits
Buying online is convenient, but fake stores want your hard-earned money. Learn how to spot red flags instantly and protect your family with simple, stress-free habits.
Spotting real deals
Scammers lure you in with prices that seem impossible. Use these two simple filters before you enter your card details anywhere.
The secure padlock
Too good to be true
Look at the very top of your screen. A safe website always shows a tiny closed padlock icon next to its name, meaning your personal details stay locked and private.
If a popular brand-name coat or tablet is advertised online for ninety percent off, it is a trap. Scammers use fake discounts to steal your credit card details.
Your shopping checklist
What to do
What to avoid
Use credit cards for all online purchases. Credit card companies offer strong protection and will quickly refund your money if a seller turns out to be fake.
Never pay with bank transfers, wire transfers, or gift cards. Honest online stores never demand these payment methods, and your money cannot be recovered once sent.
Double-check the web address carefully. Scammers often change one letter in a famous store name to trick you into visiting their fake website.
Never buy from links inside unsolicited emails or text messages. Always type the store name directly into your web browser to stay completely safe.
Answers for peace of mind
Get free weekly alerts
Is it safe to save my card details on a store website?
Join thousands of families who receive our simple, jargon-free safety warnings. We explain new scams as they happen so you can stay one step ahead.
It is much safer to type your card details each time. If that store ever suffers a data leak, your saved card remains hidden and secure from thieves.
What should I do if I already got scammed?
Call your credit card company immediately. They can freeze your card, stop pending charges, and issue you a brand new card to keep you safe.