1. Make sure you PC is secured with AntiVirus, Malware, & Spyware Protection Software.
a. AntiVirus – Sophos from Neptune, AVG (Free Product/Pay)
b. Malware – Malware Bytes AntiMalware (Free)
c. Spyware – Spybot S&D (Free)
d. All-In-One – Norton Internet Security
2. Shop with Reputable Merchants
a. Amazon.com, BestBuy, Wal-Mart, etc.
b. “Bigger names, Mean Bigger Protection”
3. Pay with a Credit Card not a Debit or Bank Card
a. Most CC providers offer more protection against theft and loss than bank card providers.
b. Check Credit Card Statements regularly online.
4. Be sure to take into account the real price of item.
a. Shipping, handling, taxes, etc.
5. Only shop from a personally owned computer, not a shared computer.
a. Key loggers can be installed to capture key strokes on community/public computers.
6. Only shop at secure encrypted sites.
a. HTTPS:// SSL Encrypted Sites
b. “Look for the Lock”
7. Never give your Social Security Number for a shopping transaction. It is not required.
8. Use strong passwords for all online accounts you create.
a. 8+ Characters
b. Combination of Letters, Numbers, & Special Characters (#, !, %, $, etc).
9. Secure your home Wireless Network.
10. Keep detailed records of all online transactions.
a. Ship dates, tracking numbers, confirmation numbers, printed receipts, etc.
11. Don’t shop from your Smartphone – These cannot be secured as much as a PC.
a. Blackberry, iPhone, Palm
12. Don’t click on random pop-up ads while shopping online.