Shopping online has become an integral part of our lives, offering convenience and a vast array of choices at our fingertips. However, with the rise of online shopping, there are also associated increased risks, such as fraud, identity theft, and scams. Explore practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the online shopping world securely, from recognizing trustworthy websites to safeguarding your payment information, so you can enjoy a worry-free shopping experience. 


Reputable Websites


To shop safely online, start by ensuring that you are using reputable websites. Stick to well-known retailers or official brand sites, as these are more likely to have robust security measures in place. When in doubt, look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability of a site. Additionally, always check for a secure connection before entering any personal or payment information. A secure site will have “https://” at the beginning of its URL, and you should see a padlock icon in the address bar. Some examples of these secure sites would be those of Amazon Apple, and Nike. Remember, if a website displays a price for an item that seems too good to be true or is far lower than what is shown on well-known shopping sites it may be a scam site – buyer beware.


Protect Your Personal Information


Another crucial step is to protect your personal information. Be cautious about the information you share online and avoid providing unnecessary details. Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, which adds an extra layer of security. Regularly update your passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple sites to minimize the risk of a security breach.


If you are a BankIowa debit cardholder, look for sites that use Visa Secure at checkout. With Visa Secure you may be guided through an extra check to verify your identity during online or in-person purchases. This helps us ensure you’re you and accordingly helps protect you from fraud. For more information about Visa Secure with BankIowa, click here!


Types of Online Shopping Scams

  • Phishing Scams
    • Fraudulent emails or messages that trick you into revealing personal information.
  • Fake Websites
    • Websites that mimic legitimate retailers to steal your payment information.
  • Non-Delivery Scams
    • Sellers who take your money but never deliver the purchased goods.
  • Overpayment Scams
    • Scammers send a fake check for more than the purchase amount and request the difference back.
  • Auction Fraud
    • Misrepresentation of products or failure to deliver items sold through online auctions.


Shopping online can be a safe and enjoyable experience if you take the necessary precautions. By following the tips outlined in this blog such as verifying the security of websites, using strong passwords, and monitoring your financial statements, you can protect yourself from potential risks. Staying informed and vigilant will help ensure that your online shopping remains secure, allowing you to take full advantage of the convenience and variety that the digital marketplace offers!

Credible Sources:

Federal Trade Commission