Think Before You Click: How to Be a Smarter, Safer Online Shopper

Jul 31, 2025

In this month’s episode of Think Like A Saver, we’re diving into a topic that’s all too familiar: the pressure to spend, especially when it comes to online shopping.

With one-click purchases, flash sales, and countdown timers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something you didn’t plan for. But what happens when that “deal” turns out to be a dangerous or poor-quality product? It could cost you more than just money, especially if it puts your safety at risk.

To help us unpack this topic, we sat down with Courtney Griffin, Director of Consumer Protection at the Consumer Federation of America. Courtney recently co-authored a report on the dangers of unsafe and counterfeit products sold by third-party sellers on popular online marketplaces — and her insights are both eye-opening and empowering.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What really goes on behind the scenes of online marketplaces — and how they differ from traditional retailers
• How to spot red flags like fake reviews, sketchy seller names, or prices that are just too good to be true
• Why impulse shopping online is so common (and what you can do to hit pause before hitting “buy”)
• The hidden financial cost of unsafe or low-quality products — especially for families trying to make every dollar count
• Simple ways to protect your money and your safety while still scoring smart savings

Courtney reminds us that being a savvy saver means being an informed consumer. You don’t need to stop shopping altogether……just shop more wisely. A little bit of research, a short pause before checkout, and some thoughtful planning can go a long way toward protecting your finances and your peace of mind.