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Avoiding the Malls
Protect Yourself While Shopping Online By Deborah Ng
Other Precautions There are other things to be on the lookout for as well. Forzley recommends arming yourself against "phishing" attacks (e-mails disguised to look like an online bank or retailer), by first confirming with the company that the e-mails are legitimate. Don't click on the link offered on the e-mail. Instead open a separate browser and contact the retailer's customer service or anti-fraud department directly.
Before shopping, consumers should tour the online merchant to be sure the site is secure. Look for the "https" in the url and the little lock icon at the bottom of the page. If there are any questions concerning retailers or privacy, shoppers should contact the merchant directly and ask for the Web site's privacy policy.
"Shoppers should also investigate all the alternatives to credit card shopping that are available, such as 
SECURE-eBill,"Forzley says. "Checking these methods out beforehand will expand their choices, and help shoppers chart their holiday spending and reduce their debt."
When shopping online, use common sense. It's easy to let down your guard when you're visiting online retailers from the comfort of your home, but do be careful not to give out any information over the Internet you wouldn't give out in person. Details such as your bank's PIN number and social security details are not needed when shopping with anyone. Shopping online is a convenience for sure, but if the wrong information falls into the wrong hands, you'll spend months, if not years, trying to make things right.
