THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

IT is the time of the year again when various shops and retailers offer sales promotions and big discounts for a wide range of different products and services.

However, those offers of big discounts and sales this holiday season are ‘opportunities’ to victimize unsuspecting shoppers through online transactions since online transactions provide a convenient way to access goods and services.  The public should, therefore,  always be mindful when using online platforms to avoid becoming a victim of scams.

Natalia Dalaten, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director, advised the public to shop safely and securely online by always keeping these words in mind, “Think, Before You Click”. Here are some safety tips for safe and secure online transactions:

• Verify the legitimacy of the online stores through their valid permits and registration issued by DTI or other government offices.
• Don’t enter in a transaction that requires “pay first” before receiving the product. Always opt for a cash-on-delivery transaction, if possible.
• Don’t be easily swayed by gifts offered with the purchase of the product. Read the reviews of the previous buyers. Watch out for products and rewards advertised at very low prices compared to other websites.
• Check the website of the online store for information about privacy and terms and conditions, including their physical address and telephone numbers.
• Don’t provide financial information, i.e., . bank account/credit card information if not required for the transaction.
• Use original and different complex passwords for all your accounts used in online transactions. Passwords should be longer and a combination of lowercase and uppercase alpha-numeric characters.
• Always set passwords for access to your Wi-Fi network and avoid connecting to public networks.
• Check and update your privacy settings in social media and avoid sharing unnecessary personal details online. Beware of unusual email attachments and links.
• Transact with reputable and trusted websites whose addresses always start with ‘https:’ and an icon of locked padlocks. (PIA Pangasinan/EMSA)

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