Online shopping makes life easier. Whether you're ordering classroom supplies, replacing household essentials, or getting a head start on holiday shopping, a few clicks can save valuable time. Unfortunately, scammers know Canadians are increasingly shopping online and are constantly finding new ways to target consumers. From fake online stores to convincing delivery scams, today's fraud tactics are becoming more sophisticated. The good news? A few simple precautions can go a long way in helping you protect your personal information, your finances, and your peace of mind. Here are 10 ways to shop more safely online in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Shop using a trusted home network or mobile data, and stick to reputable retailers with verified contact information and positive customer reviews.
• Check website addresses carefully; “https” and a padlock indicate encryption but don’t guarantee that a site is legitimate.
• Be cautious of convincing AI-generated messages, social media sellers, and delivery notifications; access retailers and couriers through their official websites instead of unexpected links.
• Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, and use secure payment options that offer fraud or buyer protection.
• Monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity and review your insurance coverage to understand what support may be available for identity theft or covered cyber incidents.

1. Shop on a secure network

Avoid making purchases using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in cafés, airports, hotels, or shopping centres. When you're shopping online, it's best to use a trusted home network or your mobile data connection. Public networks can make it easier for cybercriminals to intercept personal information.
 

2. Stick to retailers you know and trust

One of the easiest ways to avoid fraud is to shop with reputable retailers. If you're considering purchasing from an unfamiliar website, take a few minutes to do some research. Look for customer reviews, verify contact information, and confirm the retailer has a legitimate online presence. A deal that seems unusually good may be a warning sign rather than a bargain.
 

3. Look beyond the padlock icon

Most legitimate websites use encryption, which is indicated by a padlock icon and "https" in the address bar. However, scammers can also create encrypted websites. Before making a purchase, check that the website address is spelled correctly and matches the business you're expecting to visit. If anything feels off, trust your instincts and do a little more research before proceeding.
 

4. Be cautious of AI-generated scams

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made fraudulent emails, texts, and advertisements more convincing than ever. You might receive what appears to be a legitimate message from a retailer, courier, or financial institution asking you to click a link or confirm information. When in doubt, visit the company's website directly rather than clicking links in unexpected messages.
 

5. Think twice before buying through social media

Social media platforms have become popular places to discover products and local sellers, but they can also attract fraudsters. Before making a purchase through a social media marketplace:
 

• Review seller ratings and feedback.
• Ask questions about the item.
• Verify the seller's identity when possible.
• Use payment methods that offer buyer protection.

6. Strengthen your online accounts

Your password is often your first line of defence. Use a strong, unique password for every account and enable multi-factor authentication whenever it's available. This extra layer of security can help prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. Password managers can also make it easier to maintain strong passwords without needing to remember them all.
 

7. Choose secure payment methods

Credit cards generally offer strong fraud protection and can make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges. Digital wallets can provide another layer of security by limiting the information shared with retailers. Whenever possible, avoid sending money directly to sellers you don't know through wire transfers or other unprotected payment methods.
 

8. Watch for delivery and package scams

Many Canadians receive text messages or emails claiming there's a problem with a package delivery. These messages often ask you to click a link, pay a small fee, or provide personal information. Before taking action, check your order status directly through the retailer or courier's official website.
 

9. Monitor your accounts regularly

Review your banking transactions and credit card statements regularly. The sooner you identify suspicious activity, the sooner you can report it and limit potential financial losses. Many financial institutions also allow you to set up transaction alerts, helping you stay informed about activity on your accounts.
 

10. Understand what protection you have

Recovering from identity theft can take considerable time and effort. While insurance can't prevent fraud from happening, certain coverages may provide support if you become the victim of identity theft or a covered cyber-related incident. It's worth reviewing your policies periodically so you understand what protection may already be available to you and where additional coverage could help.

Shop with confidence
Online shopping offers convenience and flexibility, but it also requires vigilance. By staying informed about emerging scams and following a few smart habits, you can reduce your risk and enjoy a safer online shopping experience. Taking proactive steps today can help protect your finances, your personal information, and the things that matter most to you.

If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-494-0090 to review your existing home insurance policy and discuss additional identity theft coverage and cyber protection. If you're not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-888-892-4935 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!