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#140 Shop Safely this Holiday Season

December 18, 2012

As we near the holiday season and you’re picking up your last-minute gifts, it is important to shop safely online. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your financial information safe online.

As we near the holiday season and you’re picking up your last-minute gifts, it is important to shop safely online. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your financial information safe online.

  • Use secure sites: Look for https:// and a locked padlock whenever submitting your purchasing information.
  • Credit cards: Avoid using debit cards since fraudulent charges can drain your checking balance.
  • Avoid checks: Checks can be altered to change the payee and amount. Fraudulently drawn money is harder to protect than with credit cards.
  • Check your credit: You are entitled to one free credit report per year by Federal law. Visit https://www.annualcreditreport.com one from a Federal Trade Commission endorsed service.

One Step Ahead: Almanac Security Tips