Safer Internet: Browsing: Shopping

Summary | Correct, Secure Site | Credit Cards | Other: Paypal, Bitcoin,... |
References: General | Amazon | Apple |
Crytocurrency, Bitcoin | Google | Payment, Credit | Paypal


Summary

[1] Use Correct, Secure Site / App

  • Many of these already covered in other sections:
  • Be sure to navigate to correct web site, esp. not via ads / impostor links
  • Use HTTPS: for login & entering contact / payment details -- see section
  • Clear purchase history on sites?
  • If using an app, make sure it's authentic & up-to-date: app store, exact name, ratings, etc.

[1] Protect Credit Card Info

  • Save credit card info in a password manager rather than browser -- more secure, sync across browsers/platforms
  • macOS: Safari > Preferences > AutoFill > Credit Cards: off
  • iOS: Settings > Safari > AutoFill > Credit Cards: off
  • Avoid storing credit info on merchant site, if possible -- though some may require a card on file
  • This should be less of an issue for major vendors, e.g., Amazon, Apple -- who can invest more on security
  • If you misplace your card, you can lock your card with some credit card companies (and unlock it later when you find it).
  • Check your credit card statements monthly, or more frequently, to detect fraudulent charges
  • Enable account notifications (email/text) if supported, e.g.,
  • for an international charge
  • for an online, phone or mail charge
  • for an amount over $x
  • Check Apple Pay (or similar) settings, if applicable
  • iPhone: Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay
  • iPhone: Settings > Safari > Check for Apple Pay
  • Rank credit cards by importance and impact; what happens if one is compromised?
  • Use different credit cards for different purposes/sites, e.g., online only, regular automatic payments, one-time purchases with new vendors, etc.
  • A single-use, virtual credit card number linked to a credit card (or bank account) provides additional security
  • Virtual Account Numbers creates a temporary credit card # & security code; you set expiration date and credit limit; e.g., Citi not avail for Costco Visa apparently
  • Bank of America formerly offered virtual card numbers via "ShopSafe", which has now been discontinued in favor of Digital Wallets?
  • Check with your bank or credit card company

[2] Consider other Forms of Payment

  • PayPal can be linked to checking account or credit card; vendor doesn't see credit card info
  • Downsides: yet another account; does not provide same protection for contesting charges; may block some quasi-legal purchases, which use VPN or violate their definitions of copyright, decency, etc.
  • Other services can be used to transfer cash, e.g., Square, Messenger, Venmo -- understand possible fees and consumer protections
  • [3] Avoid cryptocurrency, e.g., Bitcoin
  • Although a cryptocurrency might provide more anonymity and can be used to hide transactions, it's also unreliable, variable and hackable; also, definitely not an 'investment'

References

Amazon

Apple

[3] Cryptocurrency, e.g., Bitcoin

Google

Payment

Paypal