#1 Before providing personal information and credit card data, make sure that the website’s URL starts with https:// and displays a small locked padlock icon.

Look for the Lock

#2 Consumers are deluged with emails about sales and special promotions. Look into the legitimacy of such offers before participating.

Check Before You Click

#3 For any card that has a PIN associated with it, you may want to change your PIN if you’ve been using the same one for a long time.

Protect PINsand Passwords

#5 Set up automated alerts on your bank and credit cards to track purchases.

Stay Alert

#4Don’t allow the convenience of public Wi-Fi networks to cause you to let your guard down.

Avoid Shopping on Open Wi-Fi Networks

NOVEMBER 30 is CYBER MONDAY, the annual holiday

when the post-Thanksgiving savings

of Black Friday move online and

shoppers flock to Web-based outlets

for great deals. But while e-commerce

has come a long way, you should still

take steps to keep personal and

financial information secure.

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