Protect Yourself When Shopping Online

More and more holiday shoppers are letting their fingers do the shopping this year. Shopping online is easy and convenient, but it can put your personal information and finances at risk. If you connect to the Internet by a wireless network, or WiFi, make sure you take steps to protect your personal information from fraud and scams.

• Keep your ID, passwords and PINs confidential – don’t share them with anyone, even family members. If you do, you could be liable for any unauthorized transactions.

• Don’t use public-access, open networks when buying or banking online. Criminals may be able to access your personal information over the network, including passwords, bank account numbers and credit card accounts.

• Do not allow your computer or mobile device to auto-remember your password or credit card information.

• Make sure that you shop on encrypted websites. Look for the lock symbol or https:// at the beginning of the website address. The “s” means “secure.”

• Always type in the address yourself—don’t follow a link.

• Update your apps and security software whenever new versions are available to ensure you’re protected against the latest malware and spyware.

• Log off or close the browser window when you have finished your online transactions.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club