subject: 3 Signs that a Website may be unsafe [print this page] 3 Signs that a Website may be unsafe 3 Signs that a Website may be unsafe
Christmas shopping is something most people prefer to put off for as long as possible. Busy shops, cold weather and a lack of time often mean that the thought of Christmas shopping is enough to cause dread in the heart of even the most avid shopper. So it's no surprise that every year more and more people decide to take the stress out of Christmas shopping by doing it all online
Using the internet to do all of your Christmas shopping can be a great way to get it all done quickly and easily. After all, what could be more simple than surfing the internet and browsing websites for the perfect gifts from the comfort of your own home?
Unfortunately, criminals are well aware of the ever growing demand when it comes to shopping Online and have developed innovative methods to enable them to get their hands on your identity and your money.
One fairly simple way in which criminals do this is by launching a website which looks genuine and claims to offer great deals on the goods you are looking for. The idea is that you happily give them your personal details and your credit/debit card details believing that you have found a real bargain and the criminals happily steal your money and your identity.
Clearly, this would be a terrible way to begin your new year so if you are going to do your Christmas shopping online, make sure you do it safely and take a look at the 3 signs that could signal that a website isn't safe
Sign 1: Something just doesn't feel right
The truth is that the first rule of surfing the web safely is to trust your instincts. If something seems to be wrong then don't take any risks. If you are not 100% confident in the authenticity of the website then don't shop there. As the saying goes, better be safe than sorry
Sign 2: No Contact Information
If a website doesn't offer any contact information, then it suggests that there may be a issue. Even if the website is genuine, how would you contact the seller if there was a problem with your order?
Always try to find contact details on any website before giving payment details and if you are uncertain of the authenticity of the details then try using them to establish if they are real
Sign 3: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
If a website is offering products at hugely discounted prices, it may spell trouble. Do some research online to see if anyone has had any problems with the site, ask friends and family to see if they have used it and try contacting the site owners to establish that the offers are genuine
Remember: The vast majority of websites are perfectly safe and are operated by genuine individuals and companies who are offering genuinely great deals. So if you are going to do your Christmas shopping online this year happy hunting!
