How to Safely Buy Christmas Presents Online?

How to Safely Buy Christmas Presents Online?

Christmas is arguably the best holiday that exists. Although there’s something lovely about going out and buying gifts for people you love, that takes a lot of time which many people do not have during the holiday season. With that said, it does not come as a big surprise that more people are buying Christmas presents online. While this method of shopping is less time-consuming, there’s a certain level of stress attached to it as there are a lot of scammers on the internet, meaning you need to learn how to buy Christmas presents online safely.

When it comes to online Christmas shopping, being prepared is one half of the victory, and being safe is the other half. Thankfully, Christmas also comes with benefits when buying security solutions. The VPN Christmas promo allows you to get premium VPN protection for just a couple of dollars a month.

Buying Online Is Easier

If there’s one real and true thing that can be said with certainty, it’s that we live in a world where everything can be bought online. However, it would be best if you did not let fake companies, scammers, and identity thieves dampen your holiday spirit. With that said, it’s important to learn how to identify a secure online store.

There are plenty of advantages when it comes to online shopping; some of the main ones are:

  1. Saves time
  2. Convenience and accessibility
  3. Good discounts

How to Safely Buy Christmas Presents Online? | Le VPN

Unfortunately, cybercriminals are more sophisticated now than they were ever before. Moreover, online threats and dangers are not limited only to large corporations anymore, and anyone can become a victim of cybercrime.

Luckily, some easy yet effective tips and tricks can ensure that your online Christmas shopping experience goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Things like using strong passwords, creating an email address that you will only use for Christmas shopping, and using a VPN from trustworthy VPN providers such as VPN can go a long way and save you some pretty big headaches.

#1 Ho-ho-Hold On To Your Personal Data

When it comes to online shopping, be extra cautious about what and how much information you provide to an online store. If you have a weird feeling, it’s best to look for another site or at least provide the bare minimum of information required to make a purchase.

Generally, it is highly recommended to stick with well-known and trustworthy brands. In this way, you can always be confident that you will not have any problems, that your package will get delivered, and that your online security will stay intact.

Finally, no matter which site you decide to shop at, you should never ask a website to remember your sensitive data. While it does sound tempting and very convenient, it’s not worth the risk. Instead, dedicate those extra few minutes to entering your payment details with every single of your transaction. Data branches happen all the time, especially during the holiday season. Happy and safe shopping should be the goal.

#2 Do Research on the Shopping Site Before you Swipe Your Card

It’s no secret that cybercriminals create fraudulent websites in hopes of scamming people. In order to not end up becoming a victim of cybercrime this Christmas, you must do some research on the potential shopping site before you swipe your card.

Now, the question that arises is how to check if the shopping site is safe to use. One good online shopping tip is to look at your browser’s address bar. Every trustworthy website has “HTTPS” at the start of its URL, not “HTTP.” Moreover, there should be a padlock icon to the left of the URL.

Generally, anyone can set up a shop online, which is why it’s essential to research a company or seller before buying from their site. Additionally, every reputable website has a physical address and phone number displayed on its site, so make sure to look for that as well.

#3 Only Use Secure Payment Methods

By far, the safest way to pay for items online is with credit cards because they are backed by financial institutions and are accepted by the vast majority of online retailers. Between a credit or a debit card, a credit card always wins. The reason is that, unlike debit cards, credit cards do not link directly to your financial accounts and typically limit the amount of money you are responsible for.

One more helpful tip for when you are buying Christmas presents online is to always save records of your online transactions, just in case. At the end of the difficult day, make sure you use your common sense; if something does not feel truly right, it probably is not. Trust your gut.

Finally, no matter how desperate you are to buy that Christmas present for your loved ones, it’s not worth jeopardizing your safety. Never pay for things by transferring money directly to companies or people you do not know. In case it is a fraud, it is highly unlikely that your bank will be able to recover or refund your money.

 #4 Shop Strictly From Your Home

When it comes to online shopping, you should never make a purchase on public WiFi. They are risky for a reason. The best course of action is undoubtedly always to assume that public WiFi is unsafe. If you really can not wait to get home to make a purchase, then make sure to use a VPN, as it will protect you in more ways than one.

Basically, a VPN will hide your online presence and protect your IP address as well as your personal data. However, make sure to use a VPN only from reputable VPN providers such as Le VPN. These are only a few of the essential measures you must take to ensure your online identity is safe and secure when shopping for Christmas presents. Happy shopping, and Merry Christmas!

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Written by Vuk Mujović @VukMujovic

Vuk Mujović is the founder of MacTíre Consulting, an analyst, data management expert, and a long-term writer on all things business & tech. He authored blogs, articles, and opinion pieces aimed to help both companies and individuals achieve growth without compromising their security. Vuk is a regular guest author to Le VPN Blog since January 2018, where he gives his expert opinion on the topics related to cybersecurity, privacy, online freedom, and personal data protection. He also often shares his tips and best practices in relation to internet security and digital safety of private individuals and small businesses, including some additional applications of using a VPN service.

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