**** HRP Media Release
Online shopping tips
Halifax Regional Police is sharing some tips to help you shop safely online.
Shopping online:
- Verify secure connections and make sure you are on a secure website. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and check for the valid certificate by clicking on the padlock icon.
- Shop smart. If a deal online looks too good to be true then it probably is, so don’t make the purchase.
- If you are at an online store that you are unfamiliar with, read and understand the online shop’s policies. Check their reviews.
- Unlike secure order forms on a websites, email and text messages are not private. Don’t send confidential personal or financial information by email or text.
- Stay organized. After making purchases, keep the receipt, confirmation number and postal tracking numbers in a safe accessible place.
Buying and selling items through online classified advertising:
- Be cautious of anyone who asks for payment in advance of being able to verify that the item exists and the seller is the legitimate owner.
- When buying or selling, meet in person to see the product and exchange money.
- Meet in well-lit and populated public places, like a coffee shop or grocery store parking lot during business hours.
- Agree to meet in a place that you are comfortable with; don’t be forced to accept a last-minute change in location.
- Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will be back or take them along with you.
- If you own a cell phone, take it with you.
- Do not give out personal or banking information over the phone, text message, email or the internet.
Most importantly, remember to trust your instincts; if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
More information is available at:
