As advanced technology becomes the norm, and phones and Wi-Fi allow us to remain connected to the internet even when we’re on the go, browsing and shopping online has become commonplace. It’s no wonder that many social media websites have taken notice of the online spending trend, and many companies have begun to integrate their e-commerce business with the mainstream social media avenues.

However, before you cave in and click that “Shop Here!” or “Buy Now!” button on your feed, take a moment to make sure your money and personal information is in good hands! Don’t shop on social media until you’ve gone through this checklist:

Use a Secure Connection

The first step in participating in any online transaction, where your privacy and personal information may be at risk, is to secure your connection. This means no shopping using your local McDonald’s Wi-Fi, no matter how much you want to make that impulse purchase! Unsecured connections are cyber criminals’ gateway to your computer – and every keystroke you make on it. This includes your iPhones and Androids, so don’t think you’re safe just because you’re shopping on Amazon from your phone!

Verify the Vendor

From hidden fees to counterfeit goods, and from orders that never arrive at all to outright identity theft – there’s a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re entrusting your private information to a third party. That’s why confirming that a vendor is exactly who they say they are – and selling what they claim to be – should always be one of your top priorities. If you’re making an online purchase, make sure that you’ve investigated the business before entering in any credit card or bank account information. If you’re meeting someone in person for a face-to-face transaction, go with a friend, meet in public, and be prepared to cancel a sale if the product wasn’t what was promised.

Shop Around

Five-star reviews, a professional-looking product page, and free shipping – what’s not to love? Well, before you commit to a purchase, it’s always safest to shop around and explore your options. Delay that instant gratification for just a few minutes, because, oftentimes, when a deal sounds too good to be true…it is! Today’s online sellers are willing to do almost anything to make money, from paying for fake reviews to hiding a monthly membership fee, shipping fees, or other costs in the fine print.

Remember: Safety First

All of these tips are designed to keep you, your money, and your personal information safe and secure. It’s easy to get swept away with how simple and easy it is to make purchases at the tap of a button these days, but try to keep your safety in mind as well! If you regularly make purchases online, it may be smart to closely track your bank account balances, debit and credit card information closely. That way, you’ll notice right away if anything is there that shouldn’t be – or isn’t there that should be!

Finally, when you agree to meet a vendor in person, always, always play it safe – for both your and their safety. Meet in a public venue, somewhere with plenty of people and security. Above all else, if something just doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to call it off or reschedule!

Keep your computer protected, avoid scams, and, above all else, stay safe! As long as you keep all of this in mind, shopping on social media can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Don’t Shop on Social Media Until You Do This!