How safe is your information when you shop online?

For online shoppers, Cyber Monday – the Monday after Thanksgiving – is the flawless day to score deals while tackling that Christmas gift list.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales drew big crowds, but there’s been less emphasis on Thanksgiving weekend as a whole over the past few years.

Two years ago, data thefts at major retailers contributed to an $11 billion worth of credit and debit card fraud, according to Javelin Strategy and Research.

Instead shop online using your home computer, it’s much safer and you can do it while wearing your pajamas and drinking hot chocolate.

“We’ve already done our online shopping”, he said. “Go to websites you’re familiar with”.

“There are a lot of them out there offering great bargains, but the lowest price on the internet may in fact be the most expensive for you”, said Ward. That way you can call the bank if something isn’t matching up with your receipts. The Better Business Bureau and a local computer expert explains how to shop safely. “I was throwing boxes out this morning, and nearly all of them were online deliveries”. “It’s no longer about one day, but a season of digital deals, and savvy online shoppers are ready to see what exclusive promotions retailers have in store for Cyber Monday before they check out”.

Use a website that you recognize and trust. Research the deal in more detail. “Criminals create these fake websites by copying the look of or using the name of well-known stores”. Shop safe online; look for a small lock icon and an extra s in the URL (https … the extra “s” is for secure). If you receive an email advertising awesome offers from a send you haven’t heard of, be wary.

When it comes time to check out your purchases, use a credit card rather than your debit card. Don’t click on any links in the email as it could be taking you to a scam site. You can also reject merchandise if it is defective or was misrepresented.