Everything You Need to Know About Shopping Safely Online As an Older Adult

 

Online shopping can be incredibly convenient, saving you lots of time, effort and even money. Whether it’s your weekly shop, buying gifts or investing in a new wardrobe, shopping from the comfort of your own home can make life easier.

 

But as with anything online, there are a few things to be mindful of. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to shop safely and confidently online.

 

Why Shop Online?

 

Online shopping is easier than it seems and it has lots of benefits, especially for older adults:

 

• You don’t need to leave the house
• No waiting in queues or lugging heavy bags
• You can quickly compare prices and shop around easily
• It can be more accessible if you have limited mobility or live somewhere rural

 

What Can I Buy Online?

 

You can buy pretty much anything and everything online these days. In fact, many supermarkets and retailers have limited stock in store, with a much bigger selection on their online platform instead.

 

You can buy:

 

• Groceries from supermarkets
• Clothes, toiletries and everyday household goods
• Larger items like furniture or appliances which can be delivered to you
• Experiences like spa days and presents

 

 

 

 

How Will I Receive My Online Shopping

 

Most people opt to have their shopping delivered to them when they’re “checking out” and paying for their items online. Sometimes there’s a cost associated with delivery which can vary depending on the size of the item you’re ordering.

 

But if you spend over a certain amount of money, you can often get free delivery too. For example lots of supermarkets offer free delivery on orders costing over £30.

 

The other option you have is “click and collect”. This is when you order your shopping online and go into your nearest store location to collect the shopping by using the unique password or QR code that is emailed or texted to you after you’ve placed the order.

 

Most of the time this service is free and doesn’t come with a delivery charge.

 

It's a great middle ground - you skip the hassle of rummaging through all the aisles, but still get the chance to step out, get some fresh air and even interact with others.

 

How Can I Tell if a Website is Trustworthy?

 

To avoid scams or low-quality services look for the following when you’re visiting a website:

 

• A padlock icon in the address bar and a web address that starts with https - the ‘s’ stands for secure
• An up-to-date security certificate that’s registered to the address which you can check by clicking on the padlock where the website address is
• A clear returns policy
• An address and phone number listed on the website
• Customer reviews on independent websites
  

 

Try to stick to familiar or reputable retailers. If it’s a company you’ve never heard of, do a quick search online with the name plus keywords like “reviews” or “scam” which should clear things up for you. If you’re still unsure, however, it’s best to avoid and shop from retailers you know and trust.

 

How Can I Safely Make Payments Online?

 

The safest methods to pay are using:

 

• Paypal which gives its users protection and is a secure system that doesn’t share your card details with the seller
• Credit card which offers protection if you spend more than £100
• Debit cards can also be used
• Use mobile data or home Wi-Fi not public Wi-Fi as this is often not secure

 

Avoid paying by bank transfer or sending money directly since these are the methods commonly used in scams.

 

Try to use the same card or payment methods for all your online shopping so you can easily track all your online spending through one bank account and easily follow the bank statements.

 

Sometimes your browser may prompt you to “save your card details” or “remember me for next time”. While it can be tempting to save and store your details for convenience and ease, it’s best not to do so because it means your data can be compromised if you misplace or share your devices.

 

 

Passwords and Account Safety

 

When you’re trying to buy something online, you might be prompted by the website to create a customer account. This is so that they can match your details like your name, address and order number to your order and get it to you safely.

 

It also allows you to easily manage your online shopping in one place by tracking your parcel, requesting a refund if you want to return item/s and accessing a variety of other helpful options in one place.

 

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re creating your account:

 

• Use a strong password (ideally a mix of letters, numbers and symbols)
• Avoid using the same password on different websites
• Don’t allow websites to save or remember your passwords, especially if you’re using a shared or public device

 

Watch Out for Scams and Fake Websites

 

Scams often come in the form of:

 

• Emails or texts saying there’s a problem with an order or asking you to click a suspicious link to “fix” it
• Fake delivery notifications that look like they’re from reputable couriers, saying they’ve just “missed you” and you need to reschedule a new delivery time
• Unrealistically cheap deals that sound too good to be true because they are

 

There are instances when retailers or couriers may genuinely be trying to contact you. You can tell them apart by looking at who sent the email and whether it matches up with the company's official email address.

 

If you’re unsure, you don’t have to click on any links or respond straight away. You can head over to the company's official website and contact them yourself to double check.

 

Many retailers also offer a live chat feature, on their website, where you can connect with an agent in real time for quick answers rather than waiting for an email response.

 

Shopping online should feel easy and safe, not overwhelming. If you’re new to it or just want a bit more peace of mind when placing an order, implementing these tips can make a big difference.

 

At HelpAlert, we’re here to support safer, more confident living. Explore our range of personal alarms online or speak to a member of our friendly team on 01273 055049.