Tips for safe Cyber Monday shopping

Today, Nov. 28, is expected to be the largest Cyber Monday shopping day in history. Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday shoppers do not have to wait in long lines or fear being trampled. But cyber shopping does have its own dangers and pitfalls, mainly in the form of Internet scammers. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help stay safe. These tips are also good advice for online shopping any day of the year.

Don’t shop on unsecure networks

Making Cyber Monday purchases from your laptop, notebook or mobile device using an open/unencrypted WiFi network is a big no-no. Anybody with a WiFi scanner can pull your financial information out of the air. If you do use an open network, be sure to only shop from sites with the “https” URL prefix. That will ensure a secure connection.

Always use credit cards, never debit

Federal laws give you the safety cushion of being able to challenge any charges made with a credit card. The same is not necessarily true of debit cards. Many credit cards also come with zero liability protection. With that safeguard, if a scammer does get your card information and goes wild, you are not liable for any of those charges.

Never use email links

Don’t be enticed by great deals in email ads. Following links on phony email ads is one of the most common methods online scammers use to steal identities. Instead, copy the site’s URL into your browser and search the site yourself for the item you want. If you can’t find the item, the ad was probably a scam.

Check eBay seller history

This is a must if shopping on the Internet auction giant. Avoid any seller with negative feedback. It’s just not worth the risk.

Deals too good to be true

You know what they say about things that seem too good to be true. It is always best to shop only from trusted, known sites. If in doubt, check to see if the retailer is rated by the Better Business Bureau.

Update antivirus software

Download the latest version of your security software, and make sure you are using the latest version of your browser.

Beware fake online charities

Sadly, many scammer prey not just on shoppers but on goodwill. Phony charity collectors will have their hands out in full force on Cyber Monday. Never give your information to an online charity without fully researching it first.

Beware predatory apps

Beware of predatory malware targeting mobile phones. Many holiday apps, screensavers and greeting cards are masked viruses. To help prevent this, install a mobile security product that offers a firewall. Also, only download apps from official app stores like Android Market or the Apple App Store.

Sources

KBTX
PC World
Fox