Shop Smart, Stay Safe: Tips For A Safer Online Shopping Experience
Online shopping is fast and convenient, but with e-Commerce scams on the rise, it’s more important to stay alert. Fraudsters are getting more creative, using fake websites, phishing scams, and data breaches to steal card details. The good news? With the right habits and secure payment options like Merchantrade Money, you can shop with confidence.
Here are four simple ways to keep your money safe while shopping online:
1. Turn Off Online Purchases When Not in Use
Many banking or e-Wallet apps allow you to disable online purchases when you’re not shopping. Keeping this setting off adds an extra layer of security—so even if someone gets hold of your card details, they won’t be able to use them online.
One of the easiest ways to protect your card is by disabling the ‘Online Purchase’ setting when you’re not using it. Many banking or e-Wallet apps allow you to disable it on your own without having to call Customer Service. Keeping this setting off adds an extra layer of security—so even if someone gets hold of your card details, they won’t be able to use them online.
With Merchantrade Money, you can easily toggle online purchase settings on and off through the app—giving you full control over your spending.
2. Shop on Trusted Sites & Avoid Suspicious Links
Stick to well-known, reputable websites or official brand pages when you’re buying something online. Before making a purchase, check for customer reviews and ensure the site has “https” in the URL, indicating a secure connection.
Also, avoid clicking on random links in emails, SMS, or social media ads, as they might lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.
3. Check Your Transactions Regularly
Keeping an eye on your transaction history helps you catch any unauthorized purchases early. Set up SMS or email alerts for every transaction so you’ll be notified instantly if anything suspicious happens.
Fraudulent transactions can happen without you noticing. Keep an eye out on your transaction history regularly. With Merchantrade Money, you can track your purchases in real-time through the app and receive instant notifications for every transaction, helping you detect any unauthorized activity quickly.
If you notice a charge you don’t recognize, report it to our Customer Service immediately.
4. Only Save Your Card Details on Trusted Sites
Many online stores allow you to save your card details for faster checkout. While this is convenient for your next purchase, only do this on trusted and secure sites. For added security, consider using a prepaid card like Merchantrade Money instead of a debit card which is linked to a bank.
Additional E-Commerce Safety Tips:
✅ Beware of ‘Too-Good-To-Be-True’ Deals – If a deal seems unrealistically cheap, it might be a scam. Always verify seller credibility before making a payment.
✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adding an extra layer of security, such as OTP verification, helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.
✅ Don’t Share Your Card Details, OTP, or PIN – Your bank or payment provider will never ask for this information. If someone does, it’s likely a scam.
Why Use Merchantrade Money for Online Shopping?
🔹 Not linked to a bank account – Reduces the risk of fraudsters accessing your main funds.
🔹 Real-time transaction alerts – Get notified instantly when your card is used.
🔹 Control your card settings – Enable/disable online purchases anytime via the app.
🔹 Spend only what you load – Your wallet limit helps prevent overspending and unauthorized withdrawals.
Stay Safe & Shop Smart!
Online shopping should be easy and worry-free. By following these tips, you can enjoy a secure shopping experience while keeping your card and money protected.
If something doesn’t look right on your transaction history, don’t worry—we’re here to help! Just reach out to our Customer Service team immediately, and we’ll assist you right away. Stay safe and happy shopping!
