Stay Safe When Shopping Online — Practical Advice for Seniors

Online shopping is a wonderful convenience, from ordering gifts for grandkids, to getting groceries or essentials delivered straight to your door. But shopping online also comes with risks. Cyber criminals often use online stores to try to steal personal or financial information. That’s why it’s wise to take a few simple precautions before you click “Buy”.

Smart Habits for Safe Online Shopping

Don’t store your payment card details online

It might be tempting to ask a site to “remember” your credit or debit card for next time. But if that site is ever breached, or if cyber-criminals hack the account, your card details could be exposed. Instead — take an extra minute to enter your card each time. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Use a secure Internet connection — avoid public Wi-Fi

Only shop online from your home network (or a trusted and secure connection).

Public Wi-Fi — such as at cafés, libraries or hotels — is often less secure, making it easier for hackers to intercept sensitive data. If you do have to use a public network, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Also, before you enter payment information, check the website’s address: does it start with "https://" and show a padlock icon? That indicates the site’s traffic is encrypted.

Buy only from reputable and transparent stores

Before purchasing, check that the store provides a return policy and clear contact details. Fake or scam websites often skip these basics. Typos in the URL or odd website layouts can be a red flag. If something looks off — a price that’s too good to be true, or unclear delivery terms — it may be safer to avoid the purchase. (Get Cyber Safe)

Additional Steps to Protect Yourself

• Use strong, unique passwords for each online shopping account (don’t recycle the same one for everything). Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA / MFA) wherever possible — especially for accounts linked to your bank or payment card. (Cybersecurity Australia)

• Keep your computer, tablet or phone software up to date — updates often include important security patches. (Cybersecurity Australia)

• Stick with secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal rather than unusual methods (like direct bank transfers, Bitcoin, or gift cards) which are often used in scams. (Cybersecurity Australia)

• Keep records of your purchase — order confirmation emails, receipts, screenshots — and check your bank or card statements regularly to spot any unauthorised charges. (Be Connected)

  
  

Why This Matters for Australian Seniors

Many older Australians are embracing the ease of online shopping — especially when mobility, convenience, or health are factors. However, scammers often target seniors, knowing they may be less familiar with subtle warning signs. By adopting these cyber-safe habits, you can enjoy the benefits of online shopping without compromising your financial or personal information. In fact, recent research shows that privacy and data security remain among the top concerns for Australian online shoppers. (securitybrief.com.au)