Signal Winter 2019 Newsletter

14 www.alliancecom.net Be On GuardWhenever You Shop Online Outsmart the scammers by using these shopping strategies As more people move more of their shopping online, unscrupulous scammers are following suit. As a result, too many unfortunate shoppers end up with counterfeit or low-quality goods, or worse yet, are left empty-handed after paying for a product they never receive. Follow these best practices to spot dubious ecommerce sites before you buy—and thwart those online scammers. Take a Closer Look Most fake websites look like the real deal at first glance. These fake sites are often modeled on well-known sites to lull visi- tors into a false sense of security. But there are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to verify the site’s legitimacy. If the site URL address starts with “https,” you know they’re using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. This is a sign that the company is serious about keeping your data safe. You should also look for “seals of approval” that indicate independent authentication. Most online retailers understand that prospective buyers need to know their financial information will remain protected during an online transaction. They go to great lengths to display well-known badges of certifica- tion prominently on their site, such as the VeriSign Trust Seal or the McAfee SECURE trustmark. These logos signal