This holiday season there was a 193% percent jump in people shopping with their mobile devices on Black Friday. But as useful as it is to be able to shop anywhere without having to stand in line at a retailer, there are simple precautions that consumers should take to make sure that they’re not divulging personal information to a third party. With that in mind, Interviewing Experts has some tips for consumers who are finishing up their holiday shopping.
Not all sites and web pages are equally secure. Remember to make sure that the checkout page reads “HTTPS” in the browser bar. The “S” at the end differentiates secure sites from non-secure sites. Never enter personal or financial information on a site that simply reads “HTTP.”
The next thing that shoppers should notice is the lock icon in the address bar. That lock indicates that the site is secured with an SSL (secure sockets layer) connection. It’s easier to see on a laptop than a cell phone, so it’s important to zoom in to the address bar to make sure the lock symbol is there. If it’s not, don’t shop there.
Another simple tip to remember is to use a password on your mobile device in case it’s stolen. Studies have shown that only about half of mobile device users have a security password. Many smart phones contain personal banking information and credit card numbers. Even if certain apps have passwords, it’s easy enough to reset once a thief has their hands on your device. A password is a simple step to help ensure that your personal information stays personal.
Also, it’s always a good idea to shop online with a credit card instead of a debit card. Most credit cards have purchase protection in case the number is stolen or if there is an issue with the purchase. Although It’s difficult to keep up with everything during the holiday season, Interviewing Experts wants to remind consumers that it’s very important to double check bank and credit card statements to ensure that there hasn’t been any fraudulent activity on those accounts.
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