Online Shopping Warning
On August 3rd, 2020 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued an alert on online shopping. The alert focuses on victims not receiving the items they ordered from websites. Some of the items victims have not received include: gym equipment, small appliances, tools, and furniture.
Online Shopping
Whether your small business is buying or selling, online shopping has become an important part of many small businesses. Many small businesses will purchase business supplies among other things online. If your small business shops online it is important to minimize your risk of being scammed. If your small business sells online, it is important to communicate to your customers you are legitimate.
Website Features to Lookout For
While it may take extra time to verify the legitimacy of a website, it is an important step to protecting your small business while purchasing. Additionally, implementing the following into your website will allow others to verify your business is legit.
There are several ways in which you can protect your business while shopping online:
-
Identify the sellers website registration by using services such as Whois Public Internet Directory
-
View the “Contact Us” or “About” page on the sellers website and look for their mailing address, email address, and phone number.
-
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
-
Try to find reviews of them on other legitimate websites
For more information on online shopping safety checkout this tip sheet from Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
To become a Cybersecurity Super Hero for your small business, checkout Small Business, Big Threat.
Subscribe to our monthly, email newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest in cybersecurity!