Life

Shopping online can be affordable and convenient, but it also poses certain threats. Finance expert Rubina Ahmed-Haq, shared her top four must-know tips for staying safe when shopping online.

1. Protect your privacy

Be sure to check the web address before you hit "BUY." The purchase page should start with https (not just http). The 's' provides an added layer of security for your personal information. Also, check the toolbar to make sure a "lock" symbol is appearing. This will give you assurance that the site is protected.

2. Shop Smart

Make sure you find out some basic but essential information before you decide to buy. For example, what is the weight and dimension of the product? What is the return policy and expected date of arrival? Make sure you're comfortable with these details before you purchase.

3. Buy in bulk

Don't shop solo! Ask friends and family if they want in on items from the same site. It's often worth it to buy in bulk so you can save on shipping costs.

4. Customs and duty

Don't forget, when you buy something online from outside your own country, you'll have to pay to take that item out of that country and into your own. If you are not consuming it there, they don't want to risk you selling it abroad for the same price. Use sites like Final Cost to get a better idea of how much the brokerage fees will add up.