Safe Online Shopping: 9 Privacy Tips

Online shopping is convenient and risky. These habits tilt the odds in your favor.

Protect your data

• Use a disposable address for one-off purchases so the store's marketing (and any breach) never reaches your real inbox.
• Prefer guest checkout when you won't return.
• Never reuse passwords across shops.

Protect your money

• Use a credit card or virtual card, not a debit card, for better fraud protection.
• Check the domain carefully — watch for lookalikes.
• Be wary of "too good to be true" deals pushed via email — see giveaway scams.

After the purchase

Watch your statements, and keep the order confirmation until the item arrives.