10 TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE WHILE SHOPPING ONLINE

RAMANJANEYULU DAYINABOYINA

The record number of online shoppers this year means fraudsters will be looking to take advantage of people prone to making novice errors. Common mistakes that leave people vulnerable include shopping on websites that aren't secure, giving out too much personal information, and leaving computers open to viruses. Here are 10 ways to stay safe while shopping online:

Stay away from fishy-looking sites

void clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails

Shop on secure websites only

1.   Stay away from fishy-looking sites

You can't always tell when a website isn't legitimate, but red flags include poor design, a strange or nonsensical Web address, and multiple pop-up windows that you can't close. If you notice any of these suspicious signs, stop shopping and close your browser windows.

2.   Avoid clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails

The Better Business Bureau warns that legitimate businesses don't send emails asking for follow-up financial information. If an email, even one that claims to be from a familiar retailer, asks you to visit an outside site, don't do it--it could be redirecting you to a scam site. Instead of clicking on a hyperlink, type in the Web address that you want to visit into your browser manually.

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3.   Shop on secure websites only

Adam Levin, founder of Credit.com and Identity Theft 911, suggests looking for "https" instead of just "http" in the address bar. Also, he adds, be sure your computer's anti-virus software is up to date, since you can come across some unwanted viruses when surfing online for deals and good buys.

4.   Take advantage of the automatic identity-theft protection that comes with many credit cards

That's one reason to use your credit card instead of debit cards or cash for your holiday shopping. If you see erroneous charges on your statement, you can call your credit card company, which should investigate on your behalf.

The Better Business Bureau points out that credit card companies are required to allow shoppers to dispute charges, and many

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5. Change up your passwords

With consumers asked to remember dozens of passwords for various retailers, banks, and accounts, it's almost impossible to remember them all, especially since they often include mixes of numbers and letters. Either keep careful track in a secure document, rely on mnemonic devices to boost your memory, or come up with some other clever strategy--but don't stick with simple passwords that are easy for strangers to guess.
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6.   Review your rights The Better Business Bureau reminds shoppers that if products aren't shipping on time, consumers have the right to cancel the order and get a refund. They can also reject merchandise they deem defective or misrepresented. 

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7.Wield that cell phone carefully

Security firm BitDefender reports that shopping with mobile devices--as 6 in 10 shoppers plan to do this year--can come with its own set of security challenges, since shortened URLs can more easily trick shoppers into visiting harmful sites. Also, public Wi-Fi access is convenient, but it can also leave your personal information accessible to hackers, so avoid entering passwords and credit card numbers while in

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8..Avoid strangers on social media

While this rule applies the rest of the year, too, it's especially important around the holidays, when many retailers use social media to drum up business. Fraudsters also send malicious messages through social networks. BitDefender recommends treating messages from strangers as spam--just ignore them.

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as spam--just ignore them.

9.Don't click on fake holiday eCards

Festive e-greetings are ubiquitous this time of year, but the security firm AppRiver says fake cards can spread viruses. At the risk of being Scrooge, the firm recommends that consumers just delete cards that come from unknown addresses.

10.Never, ever give your PAN number to anyone online.

If a site asks for it during the checkout process, it's probably a scam site, says Levin.