Christmas Shopping Alert

​It's so convenient to do your Christmas shopping online.  No long lines, no driving in traffic, and you can get pretty nice deals. However, if this is your plan, make sure you follow a few safety guidelines.   

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​Activate two-factor authentication on all banking transactions. This means that you need to input an OTP (one time password) which is sent by your bank (via SMS or email) to confirm the transaction. It adds a level of confidence in case someone tries to make a purchase with your card, they would also need access to your mobile phone or email account.  Talk to your bank and they can help you set this up.

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​Look for signs that the site you are shopping on is secure. Before you type your card details into a website, look out for a small padlock symbol in the address bar (or elsewhere in your browser window) and a web address beginning with https:// (the s stands for ‘secure’). 

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​Enter a web address yourself and don’t access it through links. Links in email messages, text, instant messages and pop-up ads can take you to websites that look legitimate but are not. Type in the address yourself to be sure unless you have the address saved as a favorite in your browser.

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​Review all transactions, check your statements and SMS notifications to ensure that all debits from your account are familiar. Use credit cards, not debit cards for online shopping. Credit cards offer better fraud prevention and consumer protection.

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​Treat your details with care. Don’t save your cards details on your computer or in your browser. Be selective as to where you input your details, avoid shared devices and always make sure your security software is up to date.

​Of course, you should also make sure your computer or device is protected with security software.  Look for our next article called "How to protect your home company."