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SALT LAKE CITY — Millions of consumers will be doing their shopping online this year. These four tips will help keep your money safe, while checking off your Christmas list.
Ditch the debit card
The Better Business Bureau recommends using a credit card when you shop online. If you inadvertently do business with a fraudulent website, it's easier to dispute a charge on your credit card than try to get the money back after it has left your checking account.
Enter financial information only on secure sites
Look for a lock icon on the browser's status bar, or a URL address that includes an "s" after http. The "s" tells you the web page is secure. Missing the "s" may increase the chances of your financial information getting stolen.
Don't fall for "pop-up" tricks
If you're shopping online and a message pops up offering a special offer, don't click. Con artists might be trying to get you to give up your financial information. The Federal Trade Commission says legitimate companies don't operate this way.
Review your bank statements regularly
Do not just review them once a year, but at least once a week. If you spot a charge you didn't make, report it right away and contact your bank immediately.
