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Dept. of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Richard Evangelista has provided tips for Virgin Islanders shopping online during the holiday season.
Tip #1 – Check your devices. Before making any online purchases, make sure the device you’re using to shop online is up-to-date. Next, take a look at your account and ask, do they each have strong passwords? And even better, if two-factor authentication is available, are you using it?
Tip #2 – Only shop through trusted sources. Think about how you’re searching from home or on public Wi-Fi? How are you finding the deals? Are you clicking on links in emails? Going to trusted vendors? Clicking on ads on webpages? You wouldn’t go into a store with boarded up windows and without signage, the same rules apply online. If it looks suspicious, something’s probably not right.
Tip #3 – Use safe methods for purchases. If you’re going to make that purchase, what information are you handing over? Before providing personal or financial information, check the website’s privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.
According to DLCA, if you have questions, contact the Office of the Commissioner at 340-725-5129 or via email at [email protected]. For consumer related issues or to report a scam, call DLCA hotlines on St. Croix 340.727.SCAM(7226 or St.Thomas/St. John at 340.771.SCAM(7226). Follow us on Facebook @dlcavi and on YouTube @dlcausvi.
