Shopping online is a much easier and gas-saving alternative this holiday season, but there are many pitfalls and dangers to your personal security.
Common mistakes people make when shopping online:
Using the same password for multiple sites makes it easier for
sensitive information to be stolen.
Too good to be true -- bargains certainly can be
found on the Web, but if an item is offered at a
price that is impossibly fantastic, be
skeptical.
Downloading unknown attachments lets criminals
steal information.
Falling prey to email fraud: becoming too
trustworthy on the Web is a very common mistake.
Don't send personal or financial information in
email, and never click on links from emails to enter
sensitive financial information.
Unsafe payment methods: Beware of sellers who
ask you to wire money online.
Ways to resolve them and avoid getting scammed:
Don't use the same password for multiple sites,
and use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
Cover your online tracks: Use anti-virus
software and regularly delete your cookies folder.
Don't click on links to emails that require you to
enter sensitive personal or financial information.
Use a secure payment system that provides
recourse if something goes wrong. PayPal lets you shop
online without sharing your financial information.
Credit cards, PayPal, and services like Bill Me Later offer
protections for buyers.
Use common sense -- if something sounds too good
to be true, it probably is.
Michael Barret is Chief of Security at PayPal for additional information about PayPal go to www.paypal.com.
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