Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are dropping early again this year with many of the big retail brands and popular high street stores have already launched new offers and discounts to try and catch the eye of keen bargain hunters.
For those browsing the latest deals online, or trying to catch a limited-time only offer as soon as it drops there can be a few pitfalls if you act too quickly without checking it out first.
However, the old adage - 'if it's too good to be true' - is a tried and tested measuring stick when it comes to making a snap decision before you part with your hard-earned cash.
Visa and all banks work hard to keep your payments safe using multiple layers of security to prevent fraud, protect your data, and help you get your money back if someone uses your card without your permission.
But there are also a few things you can do to keep safe when shopping online, especially during a heavily promoted event like Black Friday.
Here are seven top tips from Visa for shopping safely online
1. Use a safe, quick, and easy way to identify yourself
European regulations now mean that banks ask for more identification when you’re paying online in an attempt to make sure the payment is coming from you, and not from a fraudster. This is usually a text message or a pop-up box on the website you're buying from asking for an authorisation or verification code.
If it’s an option, set up methods like fingerprint or facial recognition on your phone and within your banking apps - this will give you a quick, easy, and safe way to pay online.
2. Look for the ‘s’
When paying online, check the URL to ensure it begins with ‘https://’ - the ‘s ’ at the end indicates a secure connection.
Additionally, check that the name of the web page does not contain spelling errors or strange characters.
3. Be on the alert
Signing up for transaction alerts means you can see when your account has been used for a purchase. Tell your bank if you spot unusual payments that you do not think you’ve made – Visa has a ‘zero liability; policy that may help you get your money back if someone else has fraudulently used your card.
4. Get to know ‘chargebacks’
Also known as a ‘dispute’, a chargeback is a way for your bank to reclaim funds from a retailer’s bank when you don’t get the goods or services you paid for on your debit or credit card, including if a retailer has gone out of business.
Chargebacks are not a legal right, and there is no guarantee, but it’s good to know this option is available and Visa requires your bank to at least assess the claim fairly.
5. Beware of phishing scams
Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username and password.
If in doubt, do not click on any links or download files.
6. Use ‘tokens’ and one-click services to pay safely and easily
When you load your card into your phone, and when you load it into some merchant apps, your card data is often replaced by a digital ‘token’ – meaning your card details aren’t stored, keeping them even safer.
With some shops you can use one-click-payments which means you just need to set it up, prove you are the right cardholder, and then you can shop online easily without the need to insert your card details every time.
7. Update system and application software
Install the latest software on your computer, tablet or phone. Technology companies work hard to keep you safe – updating your software helps them to protect you from vulnerabilities.
Visa advises all online shoppers that if you think you have been defrauded, call your bank and explain the situation, they can often help you claim your money back.
For more information about shopping online, visit the Visa website here.
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