10 Tips to Reduce Your Risk When Holiday Shopping Online

Online Shopping Tips

With the number of victims of Identity Theft/Fraud rising nearly as quickly as our federal deficit, it is not of matter of “if” you become a victim, but rather, “when” you do. Last year alone, nearly 10 million consumers were victims of Identity Fraud or Identity Theft, a 28% increase over 2007 (Javelin Strategy & Research).

Approximately 48% of holiday shoppers will do all their holiday shopping online this Christmas Season. The holiday season provides many opportunities for thieves and thugs to steal your personal information.  Below are 10 Tips to Reduce Your Risk When Holiday Shopping Online. Most are common sense; however, let’s face it…if they weren’t effective, the crooks and scammers would move on to other methods.

If you’re shopping online, IDTheft Solutions recommends the following steps:

1. Protect your computer – be sure you have the most current security software, with the most recent spam filters, anti-virus, and anti-spyware/malware updates.

2. If you’re using a wireless modem, make sure it is “secured”. If you are on an unsecured network, you’re vulnerable to “wardriving”. Hackers could use unsecured networks to anonymously download illegal material or initiate attacks that make it appear as though they’re coming from you.

3. Use trustworthy sites. You can check out online retailers at www.bbb.org

4. Protect your personal information – the website you’re ordering from should have a link to their privacy policy. Although it’s a boring read, it’s essential that you understand how your personal information is being used. (Most say that they share your information with third party merchants to advertise to you.) If they do not have a privacy policy, the site may sell your personal information to third parties without your permission or knowledge.

5. Only make purchases on secure websites. Look for https:// in the address bar. Shop on safe sites that have SSL (secure communications) certification – indicated by a locked padlock on the bottom right of your screen.

6. Beware of phishing scams – you’ve probably heard of phishing scams by now, but every year we have to warn people…why? Because they work. If phishing scams weren’t effective for the crooks, they would not be using them. A legitimate business won’t send you an email claiming to have a “problem” with your order. It’s an attempt to get you, the buyer, to reveal your financial and personal information. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and call the contact number on the website where you made your original purchase to confirm whether there is really a problem with your order.

7. Use a credit card to pay for your purchases. Credit cards give you more protections. You can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the items or if there are unauthorized charges on your account.* (*Time limits apply.)  If an unauthorized purchase is made with your check/debit card, that purchase amount will be tied up until authorities investigate your identity fraud claim. With a credit card, that charge is temporarily removed, pending an investigation. While it doesn’t have to do with Identity Theft, an additional advantage to using your credit card is that most often, your credit card provider offers an additional warranty on the merchandise.

8. Keep Confirmation emails/documents. You may need them for future reference and for a record of your purchases. IDTheft Solutions recommends that you create a separate folder in your email account and save them to that folder (i.e. Confirmations/Receipts)

9. Regularly check your credit card and bank account statements. Don’t wait till you get the paper statement or email notification, if you receive them electronically. Check your accounts at least once a week. Remember, after 48 hours you can be held liable for the fraudulent activity (see earlier blog posts).

10. Know your rights. According to federal law, orders made online, by phone, or by mail must be shipped by the date promised or within 30 days, if no delivery date is specified. If not, you can cancel or demand a refund. If the item is defective or misrepresented, you have the right to reject the merchandise. Do your due diligences…read over the company’s cancel/return policies before you make your purchase, to know whether you can cancel and receive a refund or a credit.