Blue Monday is often considered the most depressing day of the year. Want to brighten up your day with a new pair of shoes or a technological gadget. Good idea, but be careful when shopping online and waiting for your package.
Here are a few tips to protect your personal and financial data when shopping online:
1. Secure sites only
Check the address of the website you are visiting. It is better to enter the address of your favourite shop yourself than to click on a link in an advertisement.
Install the Safeonweb browser extension to check the reliability of the website you are visiting. Using a colour code, you can see whether the site owner is validated (green) or not (orange). Enter your bank details only on validated sites.
2. No public Wi-Fi networks
Never enter your bank details on a website when connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Cyber criminals can find out your details there. Instead, use your provider's mobile network.
More information: https://safeonweb.be/en/shop-safely-internet
Scammers often abuse parcel delivery to trick consumers. Here's how to avoid the pitfalls of suspicious parcel messages:
1. Notice of delivery
If you receive a suspicious message about a package, check the sender carefully. Never click on the link and never download an application.
2. Package tracking
To check the progress of your parcel, go directly to the delivery service's web page or application and enter your parcel's details.
Blue Monday does not have to compromise your online safety. Stay vigilant, apply good practices and enjoy the benefits of online shopping safely. By following these tips, you can turn this potentially depressing day into an opportunity to find quality products safely.
