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Stay Safe When Shopping Online

Whether you are a frequent or occasional online shopper, consider these tips to safeguard your personal information.

  • Make sure the website starts with https:// and has the lock symbol, often in the address bar, to ensure it is a secure site.
  • Check transactions more closely than usual after any recent online purchases.
  • Always opt out of saving your credit card information when making a transaction.
  • If you have the option, choose to buy from the retailer’s mobile app, rather than their website.
  • Always try to use a credit card instead of a debit card
  • Avoid clicking on unknown hyperlinks in emails, even if they are from the retailer you are shopping with.
  • Don’t use public wifi, as it can be easily compromised.
  • Change your password regularly for all online accounts, and always make it a strong one.
  • Consider checking the privacy policy for the company you are shopping with online – this will help you identify what they can or cannot do with a shopper’s personal information.
  • You should never be asked for, or give away, something as personal as a social security number when you are shopping online.

Don’t forget! Each year – you can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com. There is also an option to pay a small fee and get additional information, such as your credit score.