In today's digital age, online shopping has become a daily occurrence for many of us. The convenience of purchasing products from the comfort of our own home is undeniable. However, when purchasing something online, it is essential to ensure that the store is safe and trustworthy.
At Punto y Arte , we care about your safety and we want to give you 10 basic tips for shopping safely on the Internet , complemented by recommendations from the Spanish National Police .
1. Check the store URL
Before making any purchase, please make sure the web address (URL) is correct. Our only official store is:
We do not use extensions such as .es , .net , .org or other variants. Scammers often create similar websites to trick customers. Also, check that the URL starts with "https://" and that a padlock appears on the URL. the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
2. Find contact information and legal notice
A trustworthy online store should provide clear contact information, such as a physical address, phone number, and email. It should also include a legal notice and privacy policies. This demonstrates transparency and commitment to current regulations.
3. Read opinions and reviews
Research what other customers are saying about the store. Reviews and ratings can give you an idea of the quality of service and the reliability of the seller. Look for comments on independent sites and discussion forums.
4. Check that the site is secure
Check that the website has an SSL security certificate . This is indicated by a padlock in the address bar and the prefix "https://" instead of "http://". This certificate ensures that your data is protected. Also, avoid making purchases from public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be unsafe.
5. Review the privacy and return policies
A reputable store should have clear policies on the handling of personal data and procedures for returning or exchanging products. Read these policies carefully to know your rights as a consumer.
6. Be wary of offers that are too good to be true
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Excessively low prices can be a red flag about the authenticity of the site or the quality of the products. Scammers often lure buyers with unrealistic discounts.
7. Use secure payment methods
Opt for payment methods that offer buyer protection , such as credit cards or reputable payment platforms (e.g. PayPal). Avoid direct bank transfers or cash payments. Never send money to overseas accounts if you are not sure of the legitimacy of the store.
8. Keep your device safe
Make sure your computer, tablet or mobile phone has an updated antivirus . This will protect you against possible malware or phishing that could compromise your information. Also, keep your operating system and applications updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
9. Do not share unnecessary information
During the checkout process, only provide essential information. Information such as your social security number, personal passwords or PIN numbers should never be requested. Be wary of emails or messages that ask for personal or financial information.
10. Trust your intuition and report suspicious activities
If something doesn't seem right or you have doubts about the legitimacy of a store, it's best to look for alternatives. Your safety comes first. If you suspect a fraudulent site, you can report it to the relevant authorities , such as the National Police, to help protect other consumers.
Additional tips from the National Police:
- Update your passwords regularly and use strong combinations that include letters, numbers and symbols.
- Disable the option to remember passwords on shared or public devices.
- Be wary of emails from unknown sources that ask for personal information or direct you to suspicious websites.
- Check your bank account activity regularly to detect unauthorized charges.
- Use secure connections : Avoid making purchases over public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Use private, password-protected connections instead.
- Educate your family and friends about these tips so they can also shop safely online.
In short , trust in online shopping is built by taking precautions and being aware of the potential risks. At Punto y Arte , we value your trust and we work constantly to provide you with a safe and satisfactory shopping experience.
Always remember to check that you are on our official site:
We are here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for trusting us!
Share these tips with your friends and family so we can all enjoy safe and secure online shopping.
