1 – Look for the Lock. The lock symbol in your browser’s Status Bar and “https” in the Address Bar show that you’ve got a secure connection. Look for it any time you’re about to engage in a financial transaction. The lock isn’t a guarantee of security, but its absence is a guarantee of NO security.

2 – Don’t Share. Never provide a Social Security number to a vendor. Promptly leave checkout if this information is requested.

3- Credit Card Usage. The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation, Make sure your credit card is credit-only and not a debit card or a check card. As with checks, a debit card exposes your bank account to thieves. Your checking account could be wiped out in minutes. Further, debit cards are not protected to the extent that credit cards are by federal law.

4- Review your bills and purchases. Print and save your online bills, and compare them to your credit card or bank statement to make sure you’ve been billed correctly. Sign up for free online banking and mobile apps to monitor your checking and credit accounts daily.

5 –Security Software. If your computer or phone is infected with malicious software, other safeguards are of little help because you’ve given the criminals the key to all your online actions. Also be sure that any operating system updates are installed.