Today, 17 May, is #InternetDay, an event fostered by the Internet Users Association and the Internet Society that has been held since 2005 to present the different possibilities offered by new technologies and to foster access to the Internet from every corner of the world.

At Banco Sabadell we will be taking part in the event by highlighting the value of the Internet and new technologies in the advancement of society in terms of digitalisation. Furthermore, we call attention to the need to foster responsible and safe use of all digital tools.

For this reason, to line up with this key date, we have drawn up a decalogue with various recommendations that will help you to determine whether a website is safe. In this way, you will be able to surf the Internet and make your online purchases with complete peace of mind. Take note of these tips:

  1. When you go to a website, always think about how you got there. Was it a direct reference? Through advertising? Have you accessed after being sent an email or text message? We recommend always typing the address into your browser and, if you have doubts about the origin of a message, avoid clicking on any links.
  2. Always check that the website begins with ‘https://’, that it has a security padlock and that it matches the company name.
  3. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks if you are going to be sharing sensitive or confidential information.
  4. Always be wary of emails from unknown senders and never access links or attachments of dubious origin.
  5. If you are shopping online, check that the website has a contact information section for the company as well as a disclaimer section.
  6. It also validates that it has a seal of confidence as well as all the information about the return policy of the products.
  7. Pay special attention to products that are heavily discounted as these could be potential scams. Check item advertisements for pricing errors and be wary of incomplete information or errors in translation.
  8. Always look for comments from other users or customers within the website itself as well as opinions and ratings on external sites.
  9. Check the payment systems accepted. If only international transfers or payments through companies for sending and receiving money are accepted, do not trust it.
  10. Remember to keep your devices up to date, including your browser, your apps and your computer or smartphone’s operating system. And be extra safe and always use an antivirus.

With these tips, you will be able to identify and protect yourself from the most common online threats and frauds. If you have any doubts, we remind you that Banco Sabadell has a support and anti-phishing team available 24/7 on +34 963 085 000, at info@bancsabadell.com, or on our social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram).