How to Keep Your Identity Safe While Holiday Shopping

Staying at home is imperative this year, and that means online holiday shopping is set to be bigger in 2020 than ever before. According to Deloitte, e-commerce holiday retail sales are projected to grow 25-35% between November and January, reaching $182 billion to $196 billion total.

With conveniences like curbside pick-up and BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store) up more than 500% since the end of 2019, holiday shoppers will be able to find the perfect presents without the usual hustle and bustle of shopping in-store. Here are some helpful tips for how to keep your identity safe as you shop online:

1. Look for the lock.

Whenever you’re shopping online, be sure to check that the site you’re using is secure. Look for two things: first, an “https://” at the beginning of the URL. This indicates that the website is safe, as opposed to “http://” which is a sign that the website is not secure; Second, see if there’s a small padlock symbol on the left-hand side of the address bar. This is another sign that the website is secure.

2. Avoid public Wi-Fi.

Try to do your online shopping only when you’re using a network you trust. Public Wi-Fi networks may leave you vulnerable to hackers, so you should avoid visiting any websites where you might have to enter sensitive information such as your credit card number, address, or SSN while you’re on a public network.

3. Use a secure keyboard and browser.

For even more protection, consider downloading add-ons that will make it even more difficult for fraudsters to access your private information. A secure mobile keyboard encrypts your keystrokes as you type and protects your information from malware. Meanwhile, a secure browser can help protect you from keylogging and phishing threats, so nobody has access to your personal info but you.

4. Consider shopping with credit instead of debit.

It’s generally better to use credit than debit when shopping online. That’s because credit cards offer more protection against fraudulent activity. They monitor suspicious activity more proactively and may be able to secure your account more quickly. Debit cards, which immediately withdraw money straight from your account, do not offer the same level of protection.

5. Choose unique, secure passwords.

Update your logins regularly with distinct, complex passwords. Though it may be tempting, try not to use the same one for all of your accounts; in the event of fraudulent activity, that could leave you vulnerable in multiple places. Instead, consider downloading a password manager to help generate strong, unique passcodes without relying on memory alone.

6. Monitor your accounts.

For maximum peace of mind, keep an eye on your bank accounts for fraudulent activity after holiday shopping online. If you notice any suspicious activity, notify your bank immediately so that they can minimize any damage right away. That way, you can stay in control of your personal information, right from the palm of your hand.