Check for the Padlock

The little lock icon in the corner of the URL field is an important characteristic to check for. This lock, known as an SSL (secure sockets layer), shows that the website you're visiting is secure. Always check that the site you're visiting has SSL encryption before making an online purchase. Look for the padlock in the address bar to see whether this is the case (to the left of the URL on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge; to the right of the URL on Internet Explorer). The site is secure if the padlock is displayed. If you notice an info bubble (a circle with the word I inside) or a warning symbol (a triangle with an exclamation point inside), the site is potentially unsafe.

Furthermore, make sure the website address begins with "https" rather than "http", as the 's' stands for secure. While some websites try to recreate the image of the lock in order to appear trustworthy, always check that the lock is in the having a firm for your browser before confirming that the website is real.