Safety Measures For Online Shopping.

While the Central Bank of Nigeria claims that there is a growing number of people embracing online payment, studies have shown that many don’t feel safe shopping online, ADEMOLA ALAWIYE writes

Following the introduction of the cash-less policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, attempts to defraud people online have increased even though the banks and the regulatory authorities are doing so much to stem online fraud. Many individuals have been deceived, defrauded or even killed in the process of conducting business with their online friends. Experts say innocent citizens who fall prey to online criminals may be individuals with little or no understanding of how to apply caution when dealing with others online.

As a result of these inhuman acts carried out on unsuspecting users of the internet, experts have called on users to apply caution when dealing with other people online. They note that the internet can be a dangerous place if one does not take the right precautions while using it. They advise that one must understand that no stranger should be trusted when conducting online deals.

Experts stress that a lot of individuals fall victim to online criminals and fraudsters and many of the victims hardly come out to speak of their ordeals. Online victims fail to speak up because of the fear of being stigmatised. Experts note that it is, therefore, important to always apply all necessary precautions because you do not know who is seated behind the other screen chatting with you.

Below are some important tips that can help you to stay safe online, according to experts:


Meet in the public

It is not advisable to meet with someone you do not know in the private. Irrespective of the proximity you may have garnered while chatting with this individual online, you should not arrange to meet him or her in private on your first face-to-face date. Experts note that when you arrange to meet a seller, choose somewhere public like a coffee shop and, if you can, take someone with you.

This, they say, is in order to forestall any act of intimidation, assault or fraud. The individual may have posed to be a saint while chatting with you, but may decide to implement his or her criminal acts when he or she meets with you, especially when both of you meet in private.

Trade face-to-face

This is important for individuals involved in the business of buying and selling. Though there are trustworthy individuals to deal with online, the rising nature of online fraud has made it necessary for businessmen and women to deal face-to-face with their partners. The Managing Director, Delatech Limited, an infotech company, Mr. Sylvester Ikechukwu, says most victims of online fraud were individuals swindled by criminals, who requested that their transactions be concluded online. He notes that online users should endeavour to meet physically with whoever they are dealing with.

Be satisfied before making payments

Experts say you should make sure you are completely satisfied with whatever item you are buying before handing over any money to the other party. You must be happy with the deal before you make any payment, otherwise you may have yourself to blame in the end.

Limit what you give out

Be strict when it comes to giving out anything to the other party. You should not give too much away. According to experts, you should only give minimum necessary personal information to sellers and buyers on the site. This is to protect your individuality and keep your secrets secret.

Never carry too much cash

Online professionals say you should never carry large sums of money when trying to buy things from someone you met online. For individuals wishing to buy something expensive, it is advisable to meet the seller and view the item first before offering any cash to him.

Use your common sense

If the transaction sounds too good to be true, quit. Experts say you should not hesitate to contact the website you are using immediately you notice anything suspicious. You may get useful advice that will help to track a culprit or better still, halt the transaction.

Hold back some personal information

It is commonsensical not to give out too much information about yourself online. No online shopping store needs the names of your children, your family history etc, to do business with you.

However, if crooks get them, combined with your Master Card number for purchases, they can do a lot of damage. The more they know, the easier it is to steal your identity. Make an effort to hold back information that is not related to your purchase during online shopping.

Protect your computer

Swindlers don’t just sit around waiting for you to give them data; sometimes they give you a little something to help get things moving. Just by downloading an item on the internet, swindlers can scan your computer for useful information about you. You need to protect against malware with regular updates to your anti-virus programme. This is very important, don’t neglect your anti-virus. Update it regularly.

Use strong passwords

Every now and again, it is important to emphasise the need to utilise ‘uncrackable’ passwords. This is especially important during online shopping. Creating a unique password can come in handy when shopping around. Passwords that combine your date of birth, phone number etc are not the best. Try to include signs like *^%!@- and so on combined with a few characters but most importantly, make sure you are able to remember it. The best place to store your password is in your head not on a sheet of paper.

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