The Philippines is the second-fastest-growing ecommerce market worldwide. In fact, according to surveys, 57% of the population makes online purchases of products or services each week. Perhaps you’re one of the many Filipinos who enjoy online shopping, as it’s faster, easier, and safer than carrying cash. However, this shouldn’t be a reason to keep your guard down. Remember: it’s still possible to encounter security issues online. It’s crucial to actively protect your credit card information and be aware of seemingly harmless habits that can leave you vulnerable to fraud, data theft, and unauthorised transactions. When you’re mindful of the following seemingly innocuous practices, you can shop with confidence and security and avoid risks.

Saving Your Credit Card Information on Shopping Websites

Many online stores offer the option to save your credit card details for faster checkout. This is a convenient feature, as it saves you from having to input your credit card details every time you want to purchase an item. Keep in mind, however, that it also poses a security risk. If the website suffers a data breach, your stored credit card information could be exposed to hackers. Additionally, if someone gains access to your account, they can make unauthorised purchases without needing your card details.

To stay safe, avoid saving your credit card information on shopping websites, even the most trustworthy ones. Instead, enter your details manually each time or use a secure digital wallet that provides an extra layer of protection for online purchases. This may cause a bit of inconvenience, but it’s a great way to protect your financial information and stay aware of where and how you choose to spend your money.

Using Public Wi-Fi to Make Purchases

Many places in the Philippines, including airports, malls, and cafes, give their customers easy access to public networks so that they can stay online and connected. Often unsecured, these public networks are a prime target for cybercriminals. When you enter your credit card information on a website while connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s a good chance that hackers can intercept the data and steal your information. Protect yourself by only making online purchases or entering sensitive information while connected to a secured network. If you must shop while on the go, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection or switch to a secure mobile data network.

Ignoring Multi-Factor Authentication

The safest credit card options in the Philippines are rife with security features that you can use to ensure the integrity of your transactions and the privacy of your information. Take advantage of these features by using them when you transact online. For instance, make sure you use your credit card’s multi-factor authentication (MFA) as an additional security measure. If your credit card can be linked to an e-wallet or a dedicated mobile banking app, activate its MFA feature so you can get a heads-up whenever someone uses your information. This way, you can protect yourself from hacking and find out immediately if your login credentials have been compromised.

Using the Same Password for Multiple Accounts

Reusing passwords across different websites is a common habit, but it significantly increases your risk of fraud. Let’s say that one of the websites you use experiences a data breach. If you used the same password in the other websites, then there’s a chance that hackers can use your leaked credentials to access these other accounts, including shopping platforms where your credit card details may be stored.

To reduce this risk, use unique passwords for each online account you have. If this is too much work and you do not feel confident that you’ll be able to remember all your details, consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Doing this ensures that even if one of your accounts is compromised, your other accounts remain secure and inaccessible to malicious entities.

Clicking on Email Links Without Verifying the Sender

Phishing scams often come in the form of emails that look like they’re from legitimate online stores. These emails can ask you to update your payment details or confirm an order using a link. Clicking on the link leads you to fraudulent websites designed to steal your credit card information.

It’s good practice to always verify the sender before clicking on any links in shopping-related emails. Also, instead of clicking links, visit the sender’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser. This way, you’re sure that you’re using the right website and not just a copycat. If you receive a suspicious email, contact customer service to confirm its legitimacy before considering acting on it.

Overlooking Security Features on Websites

Not all online shopping websites are secure, and it’s easy to overlook key security indicators when you’re excited about a great deal. A website without HTTPS encryption or that has a missing padlock symbol in the address bar can be a red flag for potential security risks. Make sure to inspect these parts of the ecommerce websites you visit. By shopping on reputable platforms with strong security measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud.

Not Regularly Monitoring Your Credit Card Statements

Many shoppers only check their credit card statements when making a big purchase or when payment is due. Being more diligent with checking your transaction history, however, can be beneficial, as it can help you quickly spot fraudulent charges. Make it a habit to review your credit card statements frequently. Look for any unauthorised transactions, even small ones, as scammers often start with minor charges to test your card. If you notice suspicious transactions, report it to your bank immediately.

When you’re aware of these seemingly innocent but actually harmful habits, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your credit card information and enjoy a safer online shopping experience. Stay vigilant, use secure practices, and protect yourself from online fraud. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind and a greater degree of confidence as you enjoy the exciting deals and options that you can find while shopping online.

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