Instead of driving a car to a shopping mall, online shoppers maneuver and click a mouse to buy any product online. From self storage to car storage to boat storage to storage boxes to storage bins, self storage customers can buy anything for their storage needs by online shopping. The world of ecommerce enables online shopping at thousands of retail and self storage businesses around the world and without leaving the comfort from the couch. For many shoppers, online shopping has taken over the place of shopping in retail malls.

Online shoppers expect the same security and product quality that retail stores provide. They want the online shopping process to be as just as easy and safe as going to the mall. However, the cyber world, like the real world, is full of faults and insecurities. Whether it is a simple computer malfunction or a scam artist trying to make a living, online shopping comes with all the regular shopping hazards plus more.

In a recent survey, online shopping customers were most concerned with:

• Receiving the product on time or in a timely matter
• Identity theft, personal information being stolen
• Personal information sold to third parties
• Not receiving the right product, or product was not as described
• Dishonest online venders

Don’t be discouraged about online shopping. Just like online shopping, retail shopping at a shopping mall comes with many risks of its own. At malls you are still revealing credit card numbers and checking account numbers with personal information. Also, you are at risk with receiving physical injury from a mugger or robber. It is virtually impossible to receive physical injury from online shopping unless you maxed out the credit cards and angered your spouse.

However, this article focuses on cautions while online shopping. Here are a few safety tips to help prevent you from being scammed while shopping online.

Don’t use a debit card for online shopping purposes. A debit card gives an online scam artist access to your entire checking or savings account. Unlike debit cards, many credit card companies offer purchase appeals on suspected online shopping purchases.

Update your security software before you go online shopping. Make sure the anti virus and firewalls are up to date too. When ever you get to the check out screen of a online shopping website, check the web address bar for the letters https:/ before the web address. If it is missing an S, the website is insecure.

To avoid spam emails and annoying advertisement emails, use an alternative email address for your online shopping. Most email accounts are free. Giving out a separate email address from you regular email account will avoid clogging up your main email account with spam mail.

Only do business with online shopping companies that list their physical address. Be suspicious if a PO Box or a suite number is the only form available. A phone number should be listed also. If you are still unsure about an online company with a physical address and phone number, at least you can contact them to check them out further.

Lastly, it is always important to use your instincts. If alarms go off in your head about a certain online shopping web site, listen to them and move on.


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