Online Shopping Safety Tips

By KSEE News

November 26, 2012 Updated Nov 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM PDT

Keeping your information safe is key when you're shopping online. The Insurance Information Institute has some tips to protect yourself from thieves. Make sure the online retailer has an "s" after "http" in the web address. That shows the site has installed a security encryption layer. Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credit cards offer better protection against unauthorized purchases. And when it comes to tracking your packages online, the USPS says it will never send an email regarding packages it cannot deliver.

"So basically the consumer needs to be aware of receiving any emails they don't solicit with instructions to click,” said fraud specialist, Beth Schell. If you do click, it could activate a virus that can steal your personal information.

Lastly, monitor your accounts. Don't count on banks to alert you to fraud.

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