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.