How to safely shop online

The convenience is undeniable, but as more people bank and shop digitally, cybercriminals are finding new ways to target unsuspecting users through fake websites, phishing links, malicious apps and social engineering scams.

We have provided a couple of smart tips and careful checks that can go a long way in protecting your money, personal information and digital security.

Why online shopping is a target for scammers

Your electronic devices contain valuable personal and financial information. Banking apps, saved passwords, emails and shopping accounts can all become targets if your device or accounts are compromised.

Cybercriminals often rely on distraction, gravity or trust to manipulate people into sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.

Scams can happen through the following:

• Fake SMSs or WhatsApp messages
• Phishing emails
• Fraudulent shopping websites
• Malicious apps
• Public Wi-Fi networks
• Social media advertisements
• Fake customer support interactions

Before you buy, check the seller

A little research can save you a lot of trouble later. Before buying from a website, app or social media page, ask yourself:

• Do I know this seller or brand?
• Does the website look genuine?
• Can I find clear contact details and return information?
• Are the prices realistic?
• Do they have online reviews from other buyers?

If something feels rushed or inconsistent, take a step back. A legitimate business should not mind if you take a moment to confirm the details.

You can stay up to date with the latest scams and learn how you to protect yourself by visiting our Security Centre.

How can I protect my personal data?

Your cellphone is often your most-used device for shopping and payments, so keeping it secure matters. Here’s how:

1. Protect your device first

• Use a strong passcode, fingerprint or face recognition
• Keep your phone locked when not in use
• Install updates for your phone and apps regularly
• Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources: use trusted sources such as the Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery and the AppStore
• Log out of shopping accounts if you share your device
• Remove apps you no longer use

If your device is lost or stolen, the information on it should be as difficult to access as possible.

2. Be careful with app permissions

Some apps ask for access to your contacts, camera, location or files. Before you accept, check whether that access is really needed for the app to work. .

If a shopping app asks for more access than seems necessary, reconsider using it.

3. Understand how payment authentication protects you

When shopping online, your bank may ask you to approve a transaction before the payment is processed. This could happen through the following:

• A one-time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS or email
• A push notification sent to your Banking App
• In-app transaction approval
• Biometric verification such as fingerprint or facial recognition

These security measures help confirm that it’s really you making the purchase and can help protect you from fraud if your card details have been compromised elsewhere.

When making an online card payment, you’ll typically be asked to provide the following:

• Your card number
• Card expiry date
• Your card verification value (CVV/CVC), the 3 digits on the back of your card

It’s important to remember that we will never ask you to share your OTP, app approval code, password or PIN with anyone.