Staying Safe Online: 5 Shopping Tips

Millions of Americans are going to do their shopping online this holiday season. If you plan to be one of them, how can your ensure that you stay safe when making a purchase from an online retailer?

1) Only Shop With Retailers That You Trust

The first rule of online shopping is to only shop with retailers that you trust. National retail chains or sites such as Amazon are the best places to shop if you are wary of your security online.

2) Make Sure That The Transaction Server Is Secure

The retailer should tell you if transactions are completed through a secure server. If there is no privacy policy, do not complete the transaction.

3) Always Use A Credit Card

Credit cards should always be used because you have a record of each purchase that you make. In the event that your identity is stolen, you can dispute any fraudulent charges.

4) Leave If Anything Feels Off

If the site doesn’t offer live support or you are having trouble completing a transaction, you may be falling victim to a scam. Leave immediately and report any suspicious activity to your bank if you need a transaction stopped or cancelled.

5) Never Enter A Social Security Number

Under no circumstances should you enter your social security number. While retailers may ask for the last four digits of your social security number to verify your identity, the reason for entering those digits should be explained to you. In addition, a privacy policy should be available that explains how the information will be used by the retailer.

Shopping online is an easy and convenient way to buy gifts this holiday season. However, you should be aware of scammers and thieves who populate the Internet.
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