Opting to shop sales from your couch this holiday season? Be on the lookout for online shopping scams. While Winnipeg Police working hard to combat retail theft in Winnipeg malls and business centers, we all must be vigilant in making online purchases. Follow our tips for online shopping so you can click and collect without incident this season:
- Buy from trusted businesses. If you’re unsure, check reviews. Don’t fall victim to fake online storefronts phishing for your credit card information.
- Use a secure Wi-Fi connection. Never use public Wi-Fi for secure transactions like banking or shopping. They’re easily compromised and can leave your personal information vulnerable.
- Look for “HTTPS” in the URL as opposed to “HTTP”. The “S” signifies a secure encryption, and indicates a business is trustworthy.
- If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research and ensure the business is indeed legitimate.
- Monitor credit card statements for fraudulent purchases so you can cancel or report your card before the thief can perform too many transactions.
Don’t let scammers sap your festive spirit – whether shopping online or in-person, it’s important to stay aware. Luckily, there are many ways to safeguard yourself from fraud. If you do fall victim to an online shopping scam, make sure to report it by using the WPS online reporting tool linked below.
Happy shopping!