Back when online marketplaces were just getting started, criminals found it relatively easy to steal credit card numbers and make illegal purchases. Because it was so easy to engage in illegal online activity early on, online shopping earned a reputation…a bad reputation. Ever since those early years, many shoppers have been fearful to make online purchases. And with the growing rate of identity theft, shoppers are even more wary.

But there’s some good news: Online shopping is safer than ever before! For several years now, retailers have realized the importance of safeguarding credit card numbers over the internet, and literally billions of dollars have been spent to create systems that keep your information safe online. At this point, it is almost statistically impossible to have your credit card number stolen online if you use any major retailer’s website. With secure sign-ins, firewalls, and encryption, your information has never been safer. So when shopping online from major retailers, breathe easy…you credit card information is safe!

However, and with that being said, you should still be cautious in certain cases. Don’t get suckered in by fake websites; make sure that you’re at a retailer’s actual site, and not a “dummy” site, designed to steal your information. Make sure you’ve typed the address in correctly, don’t follow suspicious links to long-titled sites, even if the site looks official. And never give your information out online to someone who asks you via email or website. Make sure that you’re the one initiating sales, and follow your gut. Happy shopping from Total Watch Repair!