You may be able to clinch great deals on Black Friday, and shop safely. We want you to be aware of scammers. Here are some tips on how to shop safely online when buying car insurance on Black Friday.1
Why is it called ‘Black Friday’?
‘Black Friday’ refers to the first day of the year when many shops are ‘in the black.’ This is when they advertise heavily discounted goods on sale to attract shoppers. As expected, along with the frenzied hordes of online shoppers may come scammers looking for any opportunity. So, follow the below advice to protect yourself from their schemes.1
1. Use your credit card
Make sure that the bank suppling your credit card protects you from any fraudulent transactions. Always report any suspicious dealings immediately using your bank’s fraud line to allow them to respond quickly. It’s good to know that debit cards are not as effective in protecting you.1
2. So cheap – can it be true?
Watch out when you spot a car insurance product with such a low premium that you can barely believe it! Do some homework on the insurer’s customer reviews first and make sure they are legally registered. Even if you don’t find anything negative, it could still be a fly-by- night company.1
3. What is phishing?
Phishing, or smishing as the alternative name, involves receiving an SMS from an unknown number with a link offering you a great bargain. Never click on such a link. Your cell phone has a small screen, giving you only a limited view. Preferably, use your laptop, which is easier to use for detecting a fake website.1
4. Can you see the padlock in the website’s address?
Remember to look out for the padlock symbol and the ‘s’ in the ‘https’ part of a car insurer’s website’s address, which show that it’s secure. Any trusted commercial website should have the above security. Leave the website immediately if you cannot see anything like the above security criteria.1
5. Only buy from well-known, large car insurance companies
Large, well-established, and reputable car insurance companies provide a secure service to all their customers. That is just one reason why they are still going strong. Avoid small, start- up companies that could defraud you.1
6. Don’t share too much information
Avoid completing questionnaires and forms from car insurance companies, asking you for unnecessary personal details. If these requests are blatantly demanding, reconsider doing business with such a company.1
7. Change passwords
Some companies require you to provide information to be able to log in. This is not an issue but be careful in choosing your password. It so much easier to use the same password repeatedly compared to the more tedious approach of creating a new password every time. Avoid password recycling though because hackers rely on this. Once they have your password for one account, they may try it on your other accounts.1
8. Applying password manager is a must
Use a free password manager to create a different password for every secure site.1
9. Avoid using Wi-Fi in public
Avoid sitting at a restaurant and connecting to a public Wi-Fi to purchase any product, because you may expose yourself to scammers. Instead, always work from your own secure Wi-Fi at home.1
Disclaimer
This article will help protect you from scammers when looking for a great car insurance deal on Black Friday.1
There is a lot you could shop for online. How about buying car insurance online? Contact PMD for a quote if you wish to buy affordable car insurance. We specialise in providing affordable, car insurance with fixed premiums* and reducing excess*. Learn more about our unique products by visiting us online. T’s and C’s apply.
It is advisable to consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice before purchasing any financial services product.
Source:
1https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-shop-safely-online-on-black-friday
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
