Technology

3 Foolproof Online Shopping Tips For Seniors 

It’s no secret that online shopping has made life so much easier for so many people. You can get all sorts of things from groceries to gadgets, all delivered straight to your door without ever having to get dressed at all! 

Yet, if you didn’t grow up in the digital age, as a senior, online shopping might seem a little far-fetched. With so many different options coming at you and the risk of scams, it’s easy to find yourself weary of this type of shopping.   Fear not. If you’re a senior, here are some online shopping tips that you’ll want to know.

Stick With Reputable Websites

The first thing you want to do is stick with well-known websites. In other words, if you’ve never heard of a certain website, or if no one in your immediate circle has, then it’s a pretty big indication that it’s not to be trusted.  

You want to stick with reputable stores and websites like Amazon, Walmart, or Other major department stores like Target.  Otherwise, you may risk getting the sour end of a deal. If a website looks too good to be true, then chances are it probably is. 

That’s why it’s so important to only purchase from reputable websites, as a good deal is usually actually true if you see it on a website you know. However, fake websites can and do exist. 

That’s why you want to check if a website is trustworthy by looking for the HTTPS in the web address and making sure there aren’t any extra letters in the website name. For example, you may think you’re on Amazon.com, but in fact there may be an extra letter in there, and it’s a fake website trying to get your payment information.

Create Memorable Passwords 

It’s extremely important that you choose strong and memorable passwords that aren’t easy to guess for other people. It should be one that uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If remembering passwords is a challenge for you, then consider using a password manager or writing them down in a place other than your phone or computer. 

Keep this paper safely stored away, and refer to it if you ever can’t remember a certain password. Perhaps most importantly, you should make sure that you have a different password for each website.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Ideally, you should avoid using debit cards for online shopping, as they link directly to your bank account. Instead, use a credit card or a secure payment service like PayPal. PayPal offers additional fraud protection, which makes it easier to purchase online without the added worry of someone stealing your money.  If you can manage to follow these tips, and follow your gut, your online shopping experience should be a success.

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