Simply enter your credit card details, click “Buy now”, and your product will soon be on its way to you. The coronavirus pandemic has led to record sales figures for online retailers. The e-commerce “pie” is huge, a fact that has not been lost on unscrupulous retailers who want a slice of that pie and have sensed the opportunity. Many users stumble across fake online shops. These shops do not physically exist, they only exist virtually, and they take our money without delivering our goods.

But these and other risks can be minimized. These tips aim to ensure you enjoy trouble-free online shopping, but also to protect the money in your account and help you make secure payments.

Make sure the online shop you’re browsing is legitimate.

How? Check if the retailer’s site has a legal notice and a quality seal. You could also read through the terms of purchase in the GTC. No legal notice or GTC? Steer clear and find a different supplier.

Only make payments over a secure connection.

You can see whether you have a secure connection with a particular online retailer in the address line: next to the small lock icon, you’ll see an “s” next to “http://” (https://). That’s the only way you can be sure that your data is being transmitted in an encrypted form.

Use external payment systems: TWINT is convenient and secure

The benefit of external payment systems such as TWINT: online retailers do not receive any of your data. This means that retailers looking to commit fraud will never use this form of payment.

Pay for online purchases with a smile

PostFinance customers can make payments and purchases in the PostFinance App by fingerprint identification or Face ID. These methods are not only very quick and convenient, they also meet the current highest security standards.

Never store payment details

Have you stored your credit card details in an online shop to save yourself the hassle of having to get your wallet or purse out every time you make a purchase? This means an order can be placed very quickly. This is also something our children are aware of, who may be able to do some online shopping unnoticed, possibly even unintentionally. 

Parental locks can save you a nasty shock.

With some online shops, for instance shops for mobile apps, you don’t actually have a choice: your payment details are stored by default. This means so-called “in-app” purchases can also lead to unpleasant surprises. Make sure you set up password protection in your smartphone’s settings.

Never enter your personal PIN

Why? You don’t need a PIN to make online payments. This is why you have a card verification code (CVC) on the back of your card. If anyone asks for your PIN, it means they are not a legitimate supplier.

Pay for your shopping by invoice

If you pay by invoice, you’ll avoid having to enter your payment details electronically when you shop online, even if this involves more hassle that using your credit card. However, you can now pay your invoices conveniently via e-banking or using your bank’s mobile banking app. Find out more about how to make quick and easy payments using the PostFinance App.

Always be on your guard when paying by credit card to protect your personal information

As paying by credit card involves disclosing your payment information, it is important to be extra careful here. Online retailers are also aware of this and legitimate suppliers will always take the standard security measures to protect you as far as possible. One such measure is asking for the CVC on your credit card. Worried a retailer is not taking the most stringent security precautions? Or do you have a nagging thought at the back of your mind suggesting something just doesn’t feel right? Then we advise you to just leave it.

Your security is top priority for PostFinance. These pointers will ensure you’re properly clued up next time you go shopping online. You can never be too careful online though. So we recommend you also read our article “11 tips for your online security”.