What is online shopping?

1. Buying something over the internet.
2. It can be easier than going to stores because you
• don’t have to travel and go to a crowded store.
• choose items on your computer while at home.
• just give your name and credit card information.
• click a button and wait for delivery.
3. Shipping is free sometimes.
4. It can be a cheaper way to send gifts to loved ones back home.

Other reasons for trying online shopping:

1. More savings
• Some business owners do not spend on running a store. This makes their goods cheaper.
• Online stores offer discounts.
2. Unique items
• Many items online are not offered at regular stores.
3. Wider selection of goods
• Some websites sell anything from clothes to cars.
• Others offer second-hand goods and brand new ones.
• Others have a greater choice of brands, even handmade crafts.
4. Easy to compare prices
• You don’t have to drive from store to store to compare.
• You can check online.
• Some online stores do it for you.
5. Returns are easy if you buy from one with a physical store
• big e-retailers have physical stores
• if you get the wrong size, color or model, you can return them easily
6. Check return policies before buying.

Don’t trust online shopping?

Many don’t trust online shopping because:

• there are many fake websites.
• some are phishing sites. They steal personal information.
• there are many stories about people scammed by fake websites.

Tips for safe online shopping:

1. Use only safe websites
• Go straight to trusted stores instead of searching online.
• Examples are popular companies like Amazon, Etsy, eBay.
• Order from well-known retailers like Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot.
• Trusted websites have contact details on the page. They will have email or phone numbers for customer feedback.
• Don’t buy from 8 online stores: 8 online retailers you should never order from by Alessandra Dubin.
• Never click a link from a spam email.
• Never buy anything from a site in a spam email.
2. Signs of a safe URL
• The web address should start with “https” (not http).
• There should be a symbol of a locked padlock on the address bar.
• Beware of wrong spelling or a different domain, for example .net instead of .com.
• Don’t go to websites that have grammatical errors, wrong spelling and too many ads.
3. Do not provide personal information
• Beware of a site that asks for your SIN or birth date.
• Sign-up for Paypal.
• Paypal will let you pay using your credit card without sharing your financial information.
4. Have a secure password
• Create passwords combining letters, numbers and symbols.
• Make different passwords for different sites.
• Watch the video from Google below for tips.
5. Don’t use public computers
• Don’t use computers in the library or at a café for online shopping.
• Someone sitting behind you may see your screen when you type information.
• Don’t forget to log-out. Another person may use your account or steal information.
6. Check the currency
• Check the item’s price. See if it is in the currency you prefer.
• Sites like Amazon and e-Bay usually post prices in US$. Your bank can charge you an additional fee for currency conversion.
• Double check your total bill on the check-out page before you click “order”. There might be taxes or other fees you did not see.
7. Always check your statements
• Read your credit card statements. Check your account regularly.
• Check each transaction.
• If you see something you did not buy, call the bank immediately.
8. Understand terms of use
   • Read and understand the website’s rules and regulations before buying.
   • Know the rules on delivery/shipping, returns, discounts, and other details.
   • Know the number to call for questions or complaints.
9. Use a good data security software
• Security software can protect you from spyware, viruses, and other threats.
• It can keep your credit card information safe.