Are you doing your holiday shopping online? Use these tips to stay safe!
The holiday season looms ahead and many of us are dreading the Saturday shopping at the malls. While there are sales and bargains to be found, we often turn to the internet to get our holiday gifts. After all, it’s ideal for comparing prices and getting all of the gifts in one go. Even though online shopping makes our lives easier, it also comes with potential risks regarding the security of the information we use to make our online purchase.
Ensure the website is secure. If you’re shopping on a site that you aren’t familiar with, check for the padlock symbol in the browser window frame. The URL should also start with
https:// as the ‘s’ stands for secure. If the website doesn’t have the padlock or the ‘s,' do not enter your personal or card details.
Research before you buy. If you find a great deal online for a name brand that seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Read reviews of the site before you buy and ask family and friends if they have used the site before.
Update your password. Having the same password for every retail site can leave you exposed to fraud and hacking. While it’s tempting to go for the same one each time, having a weak password can be dangerous. Choose a password that isn’t traceable to you (for example, not your birthday or last name), and consider adding special characters and numbers.
Check your statements. When shopping online, try to use the same card so that you can review the statement quickly and easily while looking for discrepancies. Criminals may make a small withdrawal or purchase to test what they can get away with, so be sure to look carefully through your statement.
While you’re getting all of your shopping done line, allow the professionals to take care of your personal insurance needs.
Contact C.V. Mason Insurance Agency to get started on your quality policies in Bristol, Connecticut!
