How to be Safe While Online Toy Shopping for Kids

Privacy Tech Team

Let’s face it, there are few things more convenient than online shopping. You get to order in comfort and your goods are delivered at your home. Yet, you often hear stories of scams and that often stops people from ordering online. The good news is that these scams can be easily avoided. All you need to do is pay attention and be cautious.

If you do not know quite what to do, let us help you out. Many of these are just common sense. Above all, it pays to be cautious and avoid anything suspicious. Here are some of our top safety tips:

Shop from well-established sites: It is not very hard to set up a scam on the web. So, start with a little caution. There are some retailer sites that you already know of. You can ask your friends and acquaintances for references. Some online stores also carry customer feedback, which can also help you in ascertaining their authenticity.

Do not share personal information: This is a critical point –– do not ever share your personal information. Your web store does not need to know your birthdate and this sort of information can be used to find out more about your bank account. There are other details about your bank account that are of no relevance to a normal purchase and you must never divulge this on any order form or via mail.

Read security information: Check if the online toy store has a security or privacy page. This page will typically detail the store’s policy on maintaining privacy and security. Make time to go through all the terms. In particular, check the store’s policy on sharing, cookies and protection of information. Most stores share certain information with its wholesale suppliers. So, it is always better to check the fine print.

Know your toy: It is incredible how mistakes are often made out of sheer laziness. These can be avoided by simple diligence and care. Many people order toys without actually checking the product information. Zoom in the product picture and check carefully. Be sure to check out the label. There are many counterfeit products in the market today. So, this simple precaution ensures that you order the authentic item.

Look for payment options: Some people are apprehensive of using credit card while online toy shopping for kids despite the many precautions taken by merchant sites these days. If you fall under this category, simply check for the ‘pay on delivery’ option. This way you can pay for the product only after you actually receive it, much like any other transaction in the real world.

Avoid public terminals: When making any online financial transaction, it is always better to avoid public terminals. You do not know how information is being stored in the computer or if anyone is watching over your shoulders. At the very least ensure that no one is there to oversee what you are doing.

Beware of the great deal: Does it sound too good to be true? Then it probably is. While all online toy stores offer products at a lower rates, beware of sites that offer deals that sound too incredible. You cannot get that stroller at one-tenth the prize unless there is something really wrong with it!

So, just pay attention to the details and keep our points in mind when online toy shopping for kids. A little care can save you from getting hit by a scam.

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