How to stay safe when shopping online, and avoid scams and identity theft

danny13579

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034765#Comment_82034765

While scams can occur, there are things you can do to ensure you're safer. Don't click on links on social media ads for example. Type the website address into your browser or use a retailer's app (e.g. Amazon). Ensure your computer's security is up to date. Many security packages now alert you if they detect a scam website. Card details are sent securely using very high level encryption.

For your first online purchase try a retailer such as Amazon that's based in the UK. Amazon have very strong buyer protection in addition to your legal rights.

You have a lot of rights when you buy online such as the right to return goods within 28 days due to a change of mind. You have even more rights if an item arrives broken or faulty or doesn't arrive at all.

You also have rights when you use a debit or credit card to purchase online. Always use a debit card or credit card (or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay), never use bank transfer to pay for goods. That way you're protected if something goes wrong.

danny13579

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034749#Comment_82034749

Try the MSE credit card eligibility checker. You just enter some details about yourself and it checks how eligible you are for various credit cards. It's a soft search, so doesn't have any effect on your credit rating. Don't get too fixated on credit score. It's pretty meaningless.

lr1277

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034749#Comment_82034749

You don't have a credit score. That is more applicable in America. However you do have a credit file for any amount of money you borrow or are allowed to borrow. So there will be entries in your credit file for the following (amongst others):

current account with an overdraft even if you are not using the overdraft.

Yes credit card applications and usage will put entries into your credit file.

If you have a pay monthly mobile phone contract (though I can't tell from your 1st post whether you have a mobile or not, however smart it may or may not be).

The water company at my previous address made entries in my credit file.

Also in terms of being accepted for credit, make sure you are on the electoral roll.

You may not need photo id for a new credit card. If you can be verified identity wise and address wise through the credit reference agencies, then you won't need to show photo id to anyone. So again being on the electoral roll and having a current account with a bank are helpful. Though I don't know if the current account needs to have an overdraft facility.

In terms of a good credit file, your file should show you payback any money borrowed in a timely fashion and are not in persistent debt. Admittedly the fewer entries in your credit file, the less likely you are to get more credit. So if you don't have many entries in your credit file you can do things like get a pay monthly mobile phone contract. And even though I am repeating myself, ensure you are on the electoral roll.

jj20

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034774#Comment_82034774

Thanks for the advice brie. I think my main worry is about my card details getting hacked or identity theft as you hear so many horror stories about it, so I was looking for the safest ways of payment. If you can't tell yet I'm a bit of a worrier ha.

plantation_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034744#Comment_82034744

I would certainly recommend opening a second bank account (if you can given your lack of photo ID). It is good to have a fallback anyway in case your current bank has temporary IT issues plus you could then put a limited amount of money in the new account and only use that account for online purchases at least initially while you are finding your feet

danny13579

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034823#Comment_82034823

Have you ever used a debit or credit card in a physical store such as Tesco? If so, when you go to pay at the checkout and tap your card, the information is sent the same way as from your computer, via a secure connection and an answer comes back the same way either approving your card or declining it.

Most online retailers don't have access to people's debit/credit card details at all. The card details go securely to a third party and the third party tells the retailer whether the card is approved or not.

So identity theft from making a purchase online is very unlikely, as the retailer only has enough information to send you your purchase, such as your address. Your card information is all highly encrypted as it travels through cyberspace.

For Amazon, just type Amazon.co.uk into your browser or download the app from the app store if you have a smart phone or tablet. You can create an account in minutes.You'll see a little padlock in the browser address bar which tells you that the connection between you and Amazon is secure (you can even view the security certificate if you click on the padlock).

Shopping online is very safe. Just follow the basics. Don't click on social media ads or on links in emails. Type the address into your browser or use the retailer's app. Look for the padlock if using a browser. Ensure you use a debit or credit card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Keep your computer's security up to date, ideally a security suite that tells you if it thinks a website is a scam website. Some security suites also monitor the web and dark web for data breaches that may be used by nefarious actors to commit possible identity theft, but for identity theft, thieves would need access to very sensitive information held about you, not just your address.

PennysIntoPounds

Good on you for asking mate 🍻

I can only echo others posts;

don't click on adverts online either on computer or phone- if you see an offer or item you're interested in then independently go to that company's website

If anyone emails you who you don't know for sure you signed up with, never click on their links

Make sure the website you go to has the padlock symbol to the left of the site name in the address bar

Are there specific websites or items you're wanting to engage with at the moment?

jj20

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034785#Comment_82034785

I appreciate all the advice Danny, and il make a note of it. My laptop is over 5 yrs old now so it doesn't have upto date security, and my phone is old too now so maybe getting a new phone is the best thing to do. What kind of security do you need on a laptop or an android phone? Thanks.

jj20

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034856#Comment_82034856

Thanks, yes my lack of photo ID seems to be a big issue nowadays but opening a second bank account would be a good idea.

jj20

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82034913#Comment_82034913

Thanks again Danny, it's a lot of info to take it. No, I've not used a debit or credit card in a shop before. What puzzles me about shopping online and if card details are processed securely then how do thieves get hold of your details and make purchases on your account?