7 tips to stay safe while shopping online

1. Do a security check

Look for the padlock icon and the letters HTTPS (note the “S") in your browser's address bar to verify the site is secure and will encrypt your payment information.

Even with well-known retailers, double check the domain name in the web address.1

2. Choose trustworthy sites

Shopping online with retailers you already know and trust is usually a safe bet. Otherwise, here's how to tell if an unfamiliar site is trustworthy:

• The company's contact information is visible on the site.
• Other customers give positive reviews to see how they rate the quality of the products, the timeliness of deliveries, and customer service.
• An online search of the company doesn't reveal any red flags.1

3. Use a safe “vehicle” to go shopping

Equip your computer, tablet, and smartphone with firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware protection.

4. Read the fine print

Read the fine print for hidden catches, such as a required monthly subscription or a sales price applying only to limited sizes or colors.

Beware of phishing emails disguised as messages from familiar store brands about special deals.2

5. Be smart about using public WiFi and downloading apps

Limit your wireless shopping to a secure, private WiFi connection. Public WiFi can leave your passwords, personal data, and financial information vulnerable to hackers.3

Be careful about downloading shopping apps on your smartphone. Scammers use copycat apps to grab your personal data.3

To be sure a shopping app is legitimate, get the link directly from the retailer’s secure website.3

6. Pay with a credit card

Credit cards offer key protections that debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards don't, including:

• Credit for undelivered or mixed-up orders4
• Ability to dispute fraudulent or unapproved purchases on a credit card2
• Liability limit of $50 on fraudulent charges

7. Guard your personal data

To avoid giving out unnecessary information to an online vendor, remember:

• Don't ever give an online vendor your bank account number, driver's license number or Social Security number.
• You only need to fill in the required fields (marked by *) in the checkout form.
• Most reputable shopping sites won't require you to set up an account to make a purchase.

Other Tips

• Hold on to your order confirmation email until your package arrives.
• Don't click on any links in an email about an order you don't recall making.
• Note the company's return policy.

Enroll in Credit and Identity Protection Services

As a Synovus Plus, Synovus Inspire, or Synovus Private Wealth customer, you can enroll in complimentary Credit and Identity Protection services. With this service, Synovus will monitor your credit reports and notify you any time any changes are made. Synovus will also scan the web to make sure your personal information hasn't been compromised by checking websites, blogs, peer-to-peer networks. Synovus also offers full-service identity restoration if you become a victim of identity theft.

Want to know more about how you can achieve peace of mind as a Synovus customer? Get your personal code by talking with your Synovus advisor and then enroll here.