How do I shop safely online?
Online shopping is convenient and safe when you stick to a few reliable habits. Start with stores you already know and trust — Amazon, Canadian Tire, Walmart, The Bay, or local stores with websites. Be cautious about buying from a store you have never heard of, especially if you found it through a social media ad. These may ship counterfeit goods, charge your card and ship nothing, or disappear entirely. Before buying, look up the store name plus "reviews" or "complaints" on Google. Check that the web address matches the store name exactly. Look for a physical address and phone number on the website. Stick to credit cards — they offer the best buyer protection, and your bank can reverse a charge if something goes wrong. Keep a copy of your order confirmation.
How to shop safely online
- Go directly to the store's website — type the address yourself, do not click ads.
- Look for "https" and a padlock in the address bar.
- Search for the store name plus "reviews" before buying from an unfamiliar site.
- Use a credit card or Apple Pay, not debit or e-transfer.
- Take a screenshot or print your order confirmation.
- Check your bank statement within a week to confirm the right amount was charged.
The 3-Second Rule
Before entering your card number, ask: "Do I know and trust this store?" If you found it in an ad and have never heard of it — do not buy yet. Research first.
Important Warning
Deals that seem impossibly cheap are usually scams. If a $900 tablet is listed for $89 on a website you have never heard of, it will not arrive — or what arrives will be worthless.
Learn More
Go deeper with our full lesson: Module 6: Banking & Transactions.