How to avoid being scammed when online shopping in Singapore

Don't ever make these mistakes.

According to Ooi Huey Tyng, Visa’s Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, before Singaporean shoppers head off to buy online, they must keep in mind the following tips on how they can protect themselves while shopping online:

Regularly update your computer’s software and virus protection. Invest in a good anti-virus software program and keep it up to date. Resist the urge to click ‘remind me later’.’ This helps protect against spyware that can steal your personal information.

Know who you’re dealing with. Shop at online stores you know and trust. Be cautious when visiting unfamiliar sites offering deals that seem too-good-to-be-true.

Don’t forget to check your URL. You’ve made sure the website is legitimate and you’re about to make the purchase. Before you share your payment details, double-check the website’s URL. Be certain that the URL begins with “https://”. The “s” at the end of the “http” confirms that the site has a secure connection.

Look out for Verified by Visa. Verified by Visa is a service that allows you to use a personal password to protect your Visa card when you shop online. After you enter your card details, a one-time password is needed before finalizing the transaction. The passwords are sent to the mobile number (via your bank account details) to ensure authenticity.

Immediately investigate suspicious activity. See something suspicious or an unauthorized charge? Promptly notify your financial institution to prevent any possible additional fraud before it occurs.