Use familiar, reputable websites. It’s always best to stick to websites that have a good reputation and that you know are legitimate. Walmart, Amazon, and Wayfair are all examples. If you stumble onto a site you’ve never heard of before, do some research before making a purchase through it.
Strong passwords are your best friend. Never use a password that is easy to guess or too simple. A strong password contains lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, and usually a symbol.
If a website is asking for too much information, it should be a red flag. A website should not ask you for social security number to make a purchase. Be cautious because scammers love to steal personal information.
Check your credit card and bank statements regularly to monitor for any out-of-the-ordinary activity.
Having a secure computer is incredibly important when shopping online. SecureIT is a web security solution through PTCI’s Tech Home offer. It will protect you from malicious software that wants to steal information like credit card numbers.
Avoid shopping on public WiFi networks. These networks are not secure and someone could gain access to your financial information.
