Online Shopping Tips

• Conduct research: When using a new website for purchases, read reviews and see if other consumers have had a positive or negative experience with the site.
• When in doubt, throw it out: Links in e-mails, posts and texts are often how cybercriminals try to steal your information or infect your devices.
• Personal information is like money: value it and protect it: When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete the transaction. Make sure you think it is necessary for the vendor to request that information. Remember, you only need to fill out required fields at checkout.
• Use safe payment options: Credit cards are generally the safest option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered.
• Don’t be disappointed: Read return policies and other website information so you know what to expect if the purchase doesn’t go as planned.
• Protect your $$: When shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with https:// indicating extra measures to help secure your information.

(Author: National Cyber Security Alliance, published under Public License)