HAUL: Online Shopping Tips!
If you follow me on either Facebook or Twitter, then you must have already heard wind of my internet shopping fascination. As a blogger, I'm one to trust the allegedly cruel world of internet. With the majority of large retailers now offering their products online, internet shopping has never been more convenient. After all, why brave the rain and the queues of the high street when you can shop from the comfort of your sofa or even bed! In fact, let me take this opportunity to share with you a recent haul I made online. :) Read more after the jump!
But with every great thing comes great responsibility. Along with this added convenience, there’s also the persistent threat of credit card fraud, which sometimes scared the wits out of people. But fret not, here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your personal details--and money--are kept safe.
1. Make sure that you’re using the latest internet browser and that your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up-to-date to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. I would recommend Kaspersky anti-virus. You may try Kaspersky for free by visiting their website here.
2. Use your own private computer to ensure that other people won’t be able to access your data – particularly if you have a tendency to leave yourself logged in to websites, or to leave windows open. I often do this because managing so many online accounts squeezes the brain out of me. Since I have a habit of "staying online", as much as I can, I only use my computer when checking my online accounts. This definitely minimizes risks. One thing too, you should always avoid shopping on a shared computer, such as at a library or in the workplace. Online shopping from a public connection increases risks of stolen data even if you're using YOUR computer. Shopping from the office risks you getting a memo if you get caught! :p
3. Make sure that the website you’re using is trusted and well-established. Most reputable e-commerce sites will have security seals or logos to show this, such as those from VeriSign or ISIS.
4. Once you’ve reached the online checkout, check that the site uses a secure connection to carry out transactions. You can do this by looking at the address bar in your browser – if the address starts with ‘https’ rather than the standard ‘http’, this indicates that it’s a secure connection. In most browsers, a padlock symbol will also appear in the address bar to confirm this.
5. Once you’ve placed an order, delete your internet ‘cookies’ (usually found under the ‘tools’ menu in your browser). Deleting cookies will remove any personal data that has been stored during browsing – and although it will mean having to re-enter your username and password the next time you visit a site, it will also help to improve your internet security. Of course, keeping your details safe is all about common sense: don’t reveal your PIN to any third parties, don’t buy from suspicious websites and always choose strong passwords.
Following these simple guidelines should keep you safe from the most common forms of credit card fraud. If you’re planning on using your credit card for a spot of online retail therapy, why not shop with an American Express rewards card - you can earn points on almost every purchase, and purchases made on the Card are covered by their Shopping Protection benefit and Online Fraud Guarantee.
With all those tips, let me share you my recent haul from Little Emily Shop. Nothing much really, just a bunch of hair accessories and organizing stuff. Oh, I've been on an organizing hype lately. Last night, I bought five acrylic stack cases! My beauty corner's starting to look a bit more organized now. So excited to share. As a sneak, here are my new hair trinkets and how I organize my accessories.
The author of this article is part of a blogging team that works with brands like American Express. The content contained is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
How about you? What are your thoughts about Internet Shopping?
Think bright. Smile a lot. :)
Tweet
But with every great thing comes great responsibility. Along with this added convenience, there’s also the persistent threat of credit card fraud, which sometimes scared the wits out of people. But fret not, here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your personal details--and money--are kept safe.
1. Make sure that you’re using the latest internet browser and that your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up-to-date to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. I would recommend Kaspersky anti-virus. You may try Kaspersky for free by visiting their website here.
2. Use your own private computer to ensure that other people won’t be able to access your data – particularly if you have a tendency to leave yourself logged in to websites, or to leave windows open. I often do this because managing so many online accounts squeezes the brain out of me. Since I have a habit of "staying online", as much as I can, I only use my computer when checking my online accounts. This definitely minimizes risks. One thing too, you should always avoid shopping on a shared computer, such as at a library or in the workplace. Online shopping from a public connection increases risks of stolen data even if you're using YOUR computer. Shopping from the office risks you getting a memo if you get caught! :p
3. Make sure that the website you’re using is trusted and well-established. Most reputable e-commerce sites will have security seals or logos to show this, such as those from VeriSign or ISIS.
4. Once you’ve reached the online checkout, check that the site uses a secure connection to carry out transactions. You can do this by looking at the address bar in your browser – if the address starts with ‘https’ rather than the standard ‘http’, this indicates that it’s a secure connection. In most browsers, a padlock symbol will also appear in the address bar to confirm this.
5. Once you’ve placed an order, delete your internet ‘cookies’ (usually found under the ‘tools’ menu in your browser). Deleting cookies will remove any personal data that has been stored during browsing – and although it will mean having to re-enter your username and password the next time you visit a site, it will also help to improve your internet security. Of course, keeping your details safe is all about common sense: don’t reveal your PIN to any third parties, don’t buy from suspicious websites and always choose strong passwords.
Following these simple guidelines should keep you safe from the most common forms of credit card fraud. If you’re planning on using your credit card for a spot of online retail therapy, why not shop with an American Express rewards card - you can earn points on almost every purchase, and purchases made on the Card are covered by their Shopping Protection benefit and Online Fraud Guarantee.
With all those tips, let me share you my recent haul from Little Emily Shop. Nothing much really, just a bunch of hair accessories and organizing stuff. Oh, I've been on an organizing hype lately. Last night, I bought five acrylic stack cases! My beauty corner's starting to look a bit more organized now. So excited to share. As a sneak, here are my new hair trinkets and how I organize my accessories.
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| Sorry for the blurry photo! But basically, I stack those four acrylic cases on top of each other. They look so neat! Obviously, the two cases from the bottom are empty... NEED more accessories. Anybody interested to fulfill my wish? :p |
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| I am definitely hooked on these spin pins. I dare not buy Goody spin pins because those darn things are too expensive for my taste! I got these for just P20/pair. Goody's Spin pins are roughly P600! I mean, WHOA EXPENSIVE ryt?! |
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| Love these rose bud ponytails! Super cute! These were the last five pieces so I couldn't buy them in pairs anymore :( But aren't they nice? I love how they're polka dots! |
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| Lastly, I got these studded hair pieces. They're so nice and flashy and I love that I got to buy them in pairs! Both ponytails are P10 per piece! So affordable! |
The author of this article is part of a blogging team that works with brands like American Express. The content contained is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
How about you? What are your thoughts about Internet Shopping?
Think bright. Smile a lot. :)
Tweet
Oh wow! P20 per pair for the spin pins? Nice :D I too find the Goody ones so expensive!
ReplyDeleteKumi!
ReplyDeleteI saw your Facebook post about Little Emily shop, so I checked it out. I loved how affordable and cute their stuff are, so I shopped, too! Got my order delivered yesterday and I was so kiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiig with all the pretty stuff! <3
Thanks for sharing!
<3
Hannah
www.hannahdormido.com
omg ! ur not the only one! I love shopping online! Even if I wake up in the morning and too lazy to get up; my iphone right there next to me and looking for something new!
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of people are addicted shopping online! I used to have an online store(: accessories and so on. & I get sold out in within 3 days or so. People enjoy it! specially I ship the next day. I miss doing it actually(: having second thoughts opening one again, but anyway. ITs like the best thing eber
I love buying hair accessories online as it is an interesting idea but what disappoints me is that I could not see much variety when I go for online....I find these tips very useful and unique from other article that I have so far read...Great share!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete