Online shopping is the way the majority of us shop these days; fast deliveries, friendly experiences and easy returns have just made it easier and easier for shoppers to access a wide variety of goods and services online.

Home to a considerable number of both national and international retailers with an established online market, the UK offers a broad range of sectors to shop from. Whether it’s price-led shopping, premium designer outlets or mass middle-market retailers the variety is there.

But how do you know which websites you can trust when buying online? Staying safe while you’re shopping online is one of the most important parts of your shopping experience and savvy shoppers should know how to avoid fraud.

HERE ARE 5 TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND SECURE

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1. LOOK FOR THE GREEN LOCK AND THE HTTPS URL’S

   When shopping online, it's important to use websites that are reputable and secure. Websites that use HTTPS encryption are more secure than those that don't. When viewing a secure website, the site identity button on the left-hand side of the web address will be a green padlock. If the padlock symbol is missing the website should be treated with caution.

   The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for secure. It means the communications between your browser and the website, such as your credit card details, are encrypted.

2. USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE NETWORK OVER PUBLIC WI-FI

   If you are going to shop online do it from home or if you have to order something but you are not in the comfort of your house do it using your own data. Using a free public Wi-Fi might seem to be a convenience at the time you are out and about but be aware that this freedom comes at price. The majority of Wi-Fi hotspots do not encrypt the information you send over the internet and for that reasons they are classified as being unsafe. Hacking public networks is simple even for users with limited technologicaly know-how.

   Emails, phone numbers, credit card information’s are all there exposed and attackers are ready to take advantage of these security holes in Wi-Fi hotspots. And the list could go on.

   When considering whether to connect to public Wi-Fi network – just simply don’t! Invest in an unlimited data plan to limit the need for accessing insecure Wi-Fi networks and keep your sensitive information safe.

3. SHOP ONLINE USING CREDIT CARD OVER DEBIT CARD

   Credit cards are the smarter option for online shopping because they offer protection for purchases, making them a safer alternative to debit cards. If you purchase goods or holidays costing over £100 and up to £30,000 you are covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act which means the credit card company has equal responsibility with the seller for faulty, unsatisfactory or undelivered items. Other advantages of using credit cards online in some cases may be: cashback on purchases, other loyalty points or airline miles.

   Don’t forget to contact your card company straight away to block your card and stop any use of it if you think your card details have been used online by a criminal to commit fraud.

4. BE AWARE OF ‘TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE’ OFFERS

   Be skeptical of unrealistic discounts. If a product is being sold at an extremely low price, be cautious. Research the average price for the product and compare it with the discounted price to see if it's too good to be true. Scammers often create fake websites that look like legitimate online stores. Check the website's URL to make sure it's spelled correctly and matches the store you intend to shop from.

5. KEEP SOFTWARE AND VIRUS PROTECTION UP-TO-DATE

   Make sure that your computer's operating system and antivirus software are up-to-date to protect against malware and viruses. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques to bypass security measures, so it's important to keep your software updated to stay protected.

   In addition, make sure you:

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• Create strong and unique passwords

  One of the most important things you can do to protect your online accounts is to use strong and unique passwords. Avoid using common words or phrases and instead use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, do not reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

• Use two-factor authentication

  Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. This requires you to provide a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Many websites now offer two-factor authentication, and it's important to enable it whenever possible.

• Be cautious of phishing emails

  Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick you into revealing your personal and financial information. Always verify the sender's email address and check for any suspicious links or attachments. Additionally, do not provide personal or financial information over email or the phone unless you are sure of the person's identity.

• Look for spelling and grammar errors

  Scammers often create fake websites with poor grammar and spelling errors. If you notice these types of errors on the website, it could be a sign that it's not legitimate.

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