The 7 keys to secure online purchases

Thanks to the internet, it is now possible to shop for groceries, update your wardrobe, and book your next holiday from the comfort of your home. As a result, people are increasingly turning to online shopping. E-commerce is convenient, practical, and also safe if you take the appropriate protection measures.

If you want to shop in online stores with your card, you will have to confirm the payment order on CaixaBankNow as the last step. When you receive the message in your app, don't rush. Make sure that the details of your purchase are correct, especially the store and the amount. You have a few minutes to this. If you're unsure, cancel the transaction.

In addition, to avoid fraud and protect your money and information, follow these steps while shopping online:

• Be careful with super offers and links
  You will most likely receive numerous commercial offers in your email inbox or byany other channel advertising prices well below those of the competition. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unusually low prices can be a trap to attract unwary buyers. Also be wary if it expires in a short period of time. This is a way of encouraging us to fall into the trap, as they want us to feel in a hurry so we do not carefully analyse the proposal. Do some research on other websites and distributors to check the actual market value of the product.  In addition to suspicious emails, also be wary of offers sent through other channels, such as WhatsApp messages and pop-up windows, even phone calls. Even if the offer seems tempting, take a few moments to analyse the legitimacy of the seller before making a purchase or opening any associated links or attachments.
  
  
• Legitimate websites
  Even if websites have a padlock and start with HTTPS://, this does not mean that they are legitimate. It only tells us that the information is encrypted between your device and the website due to a certificate. Cybercriminals can easily obtain these certificates. So, the fact that a website starts with HTTPS or has a padlock does not mean it is real.
  It is very important that you look closely at the website you are visiting. You can click on the padlock to see if the digital certificate is valid and if it matches the website you want to access, and to see more detailed information.
  
  
• Secure connections
  Remember to never use public internet connections to make online purchases, as they do not offer any security guarantees. Whenever you are required to enter personal or bank details to carry out a transaction, make sure you do so through a private and secure Wi-Fi network.
  
  
• Website appearance
  Simply paying attention to the appearance of a website can give you a good idea of its legitimacy. Pay particular attention to links and check they are correct. Sometimes, changing just one letter is all it takes to trick internet users. Similarly, watch out for design errors that are common on fraudulent websites: multiple fonts on the same web page, low-quality images, or poorly translated texts, etc.
  
  
• Don't be in a hurry to confirm the payment with the app
  When you want to pay in an online store with your card, the system will ask you to confirm the payment on CaixaBankNow. You will receive a message in your app with the details of the transaction, specifying the store name and the amount. Before accepting any transaction, make sure that all these details are correct and that they correspond to your purchase. If something isn't right, cancel the transaction.
  
  
• Opinions of other users
  Whether you are suspicious of the authenticity of an online store or you want to compare multiple product options, it is advisable to read the comments left by previous buyers. The online experiences shared by other buyers can help you to choose the best and most secure option.  
  
  
• Check your accounts
  A good security measure for online shoppers is to check the status of their cards and bank accounts on a regular basis. Therefore, check that all the transactions correspond to purchases that you have made, especially after purchasing through an online store. If you are suspicious or have any questions, contact your bank branch. Finally, activate notifications on your banking app so your get notifications of any charges, however small, so you do not miss anything that could be amiss. 
  
  
• A single card for online purchases
  To avoid surprises, dedicate a single card to online purchases, with a balance adjusted for each purchase.
  
  

In short, not falling into the traps of cybercriminals essentially depends on yourself, being cautious and applying a lot of common sense and of course not being carried away and being rushed.