It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that online shopping has revolutionized our world of retail and commerce. Furthermore, it has allowed our favorite shops to continue with their businesses even during these difficult times of a global pandemic. One big obstacle to the elderly trying to access the magic of online shopping, however, is wrapping their heads around the technology of it all. Follow this guide to ensure yourself a satisfying, and most importantly, safe online shopping experience.
Research, Research, Research!
Due to the freedom and ease of E-commerce, countless platforms have emerged to sell products online, whether it be on an online marketplace such as Amazon and eBay or their website. This can lead to some elderly users falling victim to online shopping scams. It’s a serious issue, to the point that elderly Americans have lost $1 billion in online scams in a year.
Hence, it’s important to prevent yourself from becoming a victim as well. A quick and relatively simple way to verify if an online store is reputable would be to check for reviews from other shoppers on the product page.
Check the Return Policy
Some fraudulent stores will have unreasonable refund and return policies to ensure that you won’t be able to exchange your items once they’ve arrived, or get your money back even if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase at all. This is why it’s extra important to check an online shop for its return policy.
Most legitimate sellers will prioritize their customers’ satisfaction first, and thus usually have fair refund and return policies. A giant red flag, on the other hand, is if an online store doesn’t state its refund and return policies.
Use Your Credit Card as a Payment Method
In this age of information, you have to be careful with your personal data, including your payment information. An easy way to shop with more caution online would be to use a credit card for your online transactions. They’re the most secure payment method available for online shopping because on the off chance that your account becomes compromised, you won’t be held liable for unauthorized charges.
Furthermore, you also have the option of disputing transactions with your bank, allowing you to receive a chargeback in the case of a successful dispute. During your dispute, your account is frozen, keeping you safe from further damages and leaving your credit limit unaffected.
Safe and Secure Passwords Are Key
This tip is especially crucial. Not just when shopping, but when doing absolutely anything online. Your password is essentially the key to your online identity, and it should be kept private. This is especially important on online shopping websites that have access to your personal information such as your payment details (your credit card number), and shipping details (your home address). Make sure you have a strong password that’s still memorable for yourself, but hard to crack!
Intimidated by online shopping? For our residents that prefer a face-to-face retail experience, our team at Morada Cedar Hill offers transportation services. We’re always ready to offer you a ride to your next shopping destination!
