Here are 10 tips to help you. Make sure you are using the best anti-malware program and its virus signatures are constantly updated. Also, ensure your firewall is on when using a public wireless network and your own wireless network is encrypted with a password to prevent anyone outside from collecting information. Ensure you know the online store’s physical address and you can walk into their office if there is a problem to be sorted. If you have friends who have purchased from the site before, you can be re-assured by their trust too. If the store is new, or not reputable conduct your own research by looking at the site’s reviews, customer complaints on social media pages also, ask around. If no one knows about it, don’t use it. Read more: Online Shopping In Uganda: Here are the Top 10 Sites to get you started Public computers such as those at an internet cafe or even the ones at your workplace used by several other people must be used with caution when shopping online. There are possibilities that Keyloggers, a type of surveillance software that has the capability to record every keystroke you make on your keyboard are installed tap your login details in a PC you don’t own. Also don’t forget to logout from your account from a public PC. You will be required to create an account with the site you intend to purchase from. Make sure the password is strong and unique, passwords like 1234 or those that start with a short form of your name like Ken1234 should be avoided. If a store offers too good deals like extremely low prices, be suspicious. During mega sales/flash sales, most E-commerce sites will offer ‘incredible’ discounts but just for limited quantity of products and time. Also look for discount coupon codes that can significantly lower your purchasing price. Read more: 5 great places to order food online in Uganda After opening an account with an e-commerce company, expect to give the same information in future purchases e.g. telephone number, email address, shipping address, method of payment. If asked for suspicious information like bank account details, driver’s license numbers, spouse or family information. Run!!!! Ensure the shipping fee charged is reasonable for the product you buy and the distance. The return and exchange policy should be flexible with a time limit of at least 7 days. Be sure that the warranty policy is sensible and applicable. Read more: How online shopping in Uganda works: 5 important things you must know Some E-commerce sites will offer cash on delivery payment method within certain geographical location, if you are beyond those regions, use payment methods that provide you proof of payment like Mobile money transfer and Credit cards. Credit card vs Debit card- a credit card will have a spending limit while your debit card –linked to your bank account does not. If your credit card financial information is stolen, your money at the bank remains untouched- most debit cards do not offer this advantage. It’s advisable to keep a documentation of your online purchases. You will receive a confirmation email with the order number. Print, take a screen shot and save till you receive the product. Follow up if the item is not shipped within 10 days without prior communication. Read more: Ugandans now more versed with online shopping says DHL Executive Many of the big online retailers in Kenya have created apps that allow you to shop conveniently and compare prices, read reviews on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure you download the legitimate app and have a mobile anti-malware for viruses and spyware. Image: huffpost.com
