The ease of online shopping has made it a more convenient method for purchasing goods and items without having to leave the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can order products and have them delivered to your doorstep.
However, while shopping online, you need to be mindful of the information you provide on your shopping profiles and accounts. Not all the information requested by online shops and stores is necessary, and some of it may even put your privacy and security at risk.
Here are some examples of information that you don't really need to provide on your shopping profiles and accounts:
1. Your Full Birthdate: Online shops and stores may ask for your birthdate as a way to verify your age, especially if you are buying age-restricted items or products for adults only. However, you do not need to provide your full birthdate, as this information can be used by cybercriminals to steal your identity and commit fraud. You can provide only your birth year or leave this field blank if possible.
2. Your Social Security Number (SSN) or National Identification Number (NIN) for Nigerians: Your SSN / NIN is a highly sensitive piece of information that should not be shared unless absolutely necessary. Online shops and stores may ask for your SSN / NIN if you're applying for a credit card or financing, but they should not need this information for general purchases. If an online shop or store asks for your SSN / NIN, it's a red flag that the site may be a scam or not secure.
3. Your Driver's License Number: Similar to your SSN / NIN, your driver's license number is another sensitive piece of information that should be kept private. Online shops and stores may ask for this information if you're applying for financing, but it's not necessary for general purchases. Providing your driver's license number could put you at risk of identity theft, so it's best to avoid giving it out.
4. Your Home Address and Phone Number: While it's necessary to provide your home address for shipping purposes, you should be cautious about giving out your phone number. Online shops and stores may ask for your phone number as a way to contact you if there are issues with your order, but they should not use this information for marketing purposes without your consent. If you don't want to receive marketing calls or messages, consider using a temporary phone number or leaving this field blank.
5. Your Email Password: Some online shops and stores may ask for your email password to verify your account or send you promotional emails. However, you should never give out your email password, as this information can be used to access your entire email account and steal personal information. Instead, you can use a disposable email address or create a separate email account for online shopping.
6. Your Bank Account or Credit Card Information: You should only provide your bank account or credit card information to reputable online shops and stores that you trust. Before making a purchase, make sure the site is secure and has a valid SSL certificate. Never give out your credit card information over email or unencrypted websites. It's also a good idea to use a virtual credit card or payment service like PayPal to protect your financial information.
In conclusion, while shopping online, it's important to be cautious about the information you provide on your shopping profiles and accounts. Not all the information requested is necessary, and some of it may put your privacy and security at risk. Always read the privacy policy of the online shop or store before providing any personal information and make sure the site is secure before making a purchase. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without putting your personal information at risk.
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